Group Stage Recap: 21's Men Top Group, Women To Face Victoria
Published Sat 25 Apr 2026
The Tasmanian Men's Under 21 side have swept the group stage at the National Championships in Canberra, defeating Victoria 5-3 in their final group stage game to make it 3 wins from 3 matches and secure top spot in their group.
After falling behind in the opening quarter, Tasmania rallied back with Oscar Sproule levelling the score before two goals from Max Johnstone, extended the lead. Victoria cut the lead back within one, but Captain Oliver Stebbings then iced the contest with 2 late goals, as it ended 5-3.
The victory means Tasmania is now guaranteed a shot at a medal, with both group winners guaranteed a place in the tournament's semi-finals on Wednesday.
They had entered the clash with Victoria, needing only a draw to finish top of the group after winning their first two group stage games in the tournament's opening days.
They produced a thumping opening match display by hammering the Australian Capital Territory 9-1. Max Johnstone, Oscar Pritchard and Oliver Stebbings all scored doubles, whilst Angus McMullen, Ruben Hoey and Oscar Sproule also got themselves on the scoresheet. They then continued their strong start, as they made it 2 from 2 by defeating New South Wales 5-3, with Ruben Hoey scored twice, and Oliver Stebbings, Oscar Sproule and Angus McMullen joining him on the scoresheet.
It means they will face off with Western Australia at 2:30pm on Monday for semi-final seedings, with the winner getting to face the lower-ranked winner that emerges from the two 2nd v 3rd place Quarter Finals.
The Women's side went down 1-0 to New South Wales in their final group stage clash, meaning a third-place finish in their group. In a tight battle that saw scoring chances at a premium, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 48th minute.
Their previous matches saw them opening up with a 2-1 victory over South Australia in an accomplished display, thanks to goals from Isabelle Kruimink and Chloe White inside the first quarter of the match.
Game 2 saw them falling 3-0 to the ACT as the hosts defence kept the Tasmanians at bay for the majority of the contest, shutting down the ball movement effectively.
It means they will now play a quarter-final on Monday against Victoria at 1:00 pm.
