If Surbiton go on to lift the Men's Hockey League Premier Division championship title, head coach Todd Williams has revealed it may be more by luck than judgement.

Sixteen-year-old defender Zach Wallace was not even in the men's first team squad at the turn of the year, but after being given his chance in the league in February he is set to play a starring role in this weekend's play-offs.

Injuries and the unavailability of New Zealand international Andy Hayward opened the door to the squad for the Kingston Grammar School student.

And after making school master and Surbiton legend Matt Daly look a little silly in training, he has not looked back.

Wallace is set to start Saturday's semi-final clash with Reading, who Surbiton have beaten twice by the odd goal this term, and Williams reckons he could be his side's secret weapon in his best prepared Sugden Road squad in four play-off attempts.

"We have probably been more focused on these play-offs than we have been for each of the three previous times we have got there in my time here," he said.

"Last year we were in a bit of a see-saw battle to see who would finish top of the regular league and that was a bit of a distraction.

"This season we got the points we needed to finish in the top four a while ago, and with some injuries and people away we were able to give one or two youngsters a go.

"I'm always keen to give young players there chance, but we have not always had the opportunity.

"Matt Daly has been telling me about Zach for a while. In training, he got the ball under pressure in a defensive position and did some fancy stick work to get out of it.

"It wasn't just the skill, but it was also his presence of mind to do it in that position and also to get past his school master.

"It wasn't that we hadn't listened to Matt, but that bit of skill made us think we had to take a closer look at the kid.

"He is a quality player that we did not know we had. And maybe, had he not had the chance he might not have developed so quickly. We are delighted to have him."

Daly missed last season's play-off defeat to eventual champions Wimbledon due to work commitments with Kingston Grammar School.

The former Team GB Olympian should be available for Saturday's clash and Williams is expecting a tough test.

"They have plenty of very good players and have done a really good job of rebuilding their squad, " he added.

"They have got good strikers, midfielders and strikers so tick a lot of boxes and we will have to play well.

"Holcombe are the favourites, but Wimbledon have every chance against them in the other semi-final, so I think we have a chance."