With one round of play to go, the Tulip Men’s Premier League is nearing its denouement. The tickets for the playoffs have been given away, but at the bottom it is anything but decided. Will SCHC still be able to secure their place at the expense of HDM and avoid the playoffs? And who will be relegated directly to the Promotion Division: Nijmegen or Hurley?
9. HDM 21-16
HDM starts the last round of play with a comfortable margin of three points on SCHC. A draw at home against Oranje-Rood is enough to secure ninth place and avoid the playoffs.
Remaining program:
HDM-Orange-Rood
10. SCHC 21-13
SCHC has to chase. The team from Bilthoven will meet national champion Kampong and must win that match to maintain their prospects of direct retention. At the same time SCHC is dependent on HDM making a misstep. Only if HDM loses and SCHC wins, both teams will be equal in points. Then the number of wins is decisive, and that advantage lies with SCHC.
Remaining program:
Kampong-SCHC
Jake Whetton shoots at the SCHC goal on behalf of Nijmegen. Photo: Jan Kruijdenberg
11.Hurley 21-8
Hurley has direct retention completely in its own hands. With three points ahead of straggler Nijmegen, which visits Sunday, a draw is enough to stay in the Tulip big league. In case of defeat, however, Hurley will drop to the Promotion Division, as the goal difference would then be in Nijmegen’s favor. The number of matches won in that case is balanced.
12.Nijmegen 21-5
So for Nijmegen the task is crystal clear: only a win against Hurley will suffice to avert direct relegation.
Remaining program:
Hurley-Nijmegen
by Hockey.nl
