By Liam Emerton
The Central Queensland Hockey League gets back to full capacity this weekend after a split round seven between the men’s and women’s competitions.
Across the past fortnight the men’s and women’s CQHL have held their round seven fixtures but for this weekend both leagues will hold their eighth round matches.
Having won three on the trot, the Park Avenue men’s side will be looking to make it a fantastic four when they take on the Sparks Hockey Club on Saturday.
In round seven the P.A side took down the Meteors 6-2 in a massive victory for the North Rockhampton club.
Shining star Jarred Burns scored three goals with Luke Holden, Nathan Burke and Corey Bills all making a single goal contribution.
Park Avenue maintain their chase of the Wanderers who are at the apex of the table with both sides picking up five wins.
That has poised the club for their big clash this weekend when they face the Sparks who are yet to win this season.
Sparks were knocked off 5-0 by the Southern Suburbs on Saturday, with the team still yet to score in 2023.
The Wanderers, who have had a few weeks off due to drawing the round seven bye and the representative rounds, will be back in action against the Southern Suburbs.
That may be a danger game for both sides with the Suburbs already trailing behind P.A by nine league points and only ahead of the Meteors on goal differential.
Whereas the Wanderers currently sit above the second-placed Park Avenue by six goal differential meaning a small win or any loss could result in them dropping their top spot.
Last time these two teams met it was the Wanderers who would pick up the chocolates with a 6-2 win back in late March.
In the women’s CQHL it’s a second versus third playoff that will catch a majority of attention this weekend.
The Wanderers, who are currently in second place, will welcome the Sparks to Kalka Shades for what will be a close encounter.
After winning the reverse fixture 5-1, the Wanderers will be hoping for a similar result this time round but the Sparks have been strong in recent weeks.
The Sparks are undefeated since 18 March having beaten Gladstone Souths, Meteors and Frenchville while picking up a draw with Park Avenue.
That will cause the Wanderers to be weary of their round eight opposition despite having that aforementioned win over them earlier this year.
In the second match the Southern Suburbs, who currently lead the women’s comp, will face off against Park Avenue.
And rounding off the weekend will be the Meteors taking on Gladstone Souths in a local derby.