Beeston boss Griffiths expresses fitness concerns

BEESTON manager Graham Griffiths fears fatigue and lack of preparation could scupper his side's chance of making a dream final on Sunday.

Griffiths currently has six future British hockey stars out training for the Great Britain Super League, which is aimed at showcasing those that have the ability to take part in the next Olympics.

But coming at the end of a long season for the Bees, which saw them finish third in the Premier Division, Griffiths is looking to get their semi-final clash with Canterbury over and done with.

"We are just hoping to put this game to bed and hopefully get through," he said. "It has not been the most ideal preparation for us and at this point of the season my boys are all very tired.

"I have six of my best players out at different parts of the country training for the Great Britain Super League right now so this semi has not come at the best time.

"I am hoping all the boys will be fit but it all depends on how they hard they get pushed in training.

"I will not see these players until they get to the hotel the night before the semi-final at about 10pm.

"Then we will just send them off to bed and hope they will be in a fit state in the morning."

Goalkeeper George Pinner and centre Alastair Wilson, who played for Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics, are just two of the players who will only arrive at the 11th hour before the semi-final.

And Griffiths is aware Canterbury will not be easy to beat as they have enjoyed a good season in the Conference East Division.

"We are hoping to win as it would be great for our team after a long season and the final is at our home ground so it would be exciting if we were in it," added Griffiths.

"But it's not going to be easy because Canterbury have got used to winning all season so they will be confident.

"Their South African forward Lloyd Norris-Jones has been scoring for fun this season so it is going to be a big test for us to stop him.

"The travel down to the ground is not going to help us either as it can take four hours to get there and with how tired my players are the journey could be the worst thing.

"We are going into the lion's den, they are a big club with a great crowd but I am hoping we can get out of jail and have a long rest before the final in May."