The Premier League Hockey season reaches the three-quarter mark on Saturday with Round 15 action at the Aurora Energy Tasmanian Hockey Centre.
The day begins with North West Graduates taking on Canterbury, with the two sides entering the clash on contrasting runs of form. NWG are riding a six-match winning streak, while the Lions have suffered seven consecutive defeats.
Canterbury’s strong start to the season has them still sitting in fourth place, but they have now used up all their early-season breathing room and need to start collecting points if they are to secure the final spot in the top four. The top three appear settled, albeit with the order still to be determined.
The Bulldogs have won both previous meetings between the sides this season, prevailing 4-3 and 4-1.
Next up is a potential finals preview as the current top two clash, with University taking on DiamondBacks.
University have been in scintillating touch over the past three weeks, responding to their first loss of the season with three thumping victories. They have scored 20 goals and conceded just once during that stretch.
DiamondBacks edged past Canterbury 1-0 in a tight contest last weekend to remain in second place. However, they have played one more match than NWG, who remain hot on their heels and ready to pounce on any slip-up.
The two previous meetings have both been competitive, with the sides playing out a 3-3 draw in Round 10 after University claimed a 4-2 victory in Round 5.
The final men’s game of the day sees Derwent facing OHA in a crucial contest for both sides’ finals aspirations. The Strikers sit just one point outside the top four with a game in hand and will be eyeing the opportunity to potentially climb into the finals places with a victory.
The match will carry additional significance with the staging of the John Harris Cup for the first time since his passing. You can read Adam Clifford’s excellent piece on the occasion here.
The two sides met only a couple of weeks ago in their rescheduled fixture, with OHA claiming a 2-1 victory to reverse the scoreline from Derwent’s win in their first meeting.
The Women’s Premier League action begins with Derwent taking on OHA. The Strikers enter the contest having broken through for their first Premier League point since 2023 last weekend, but this week they face a much tougher assignment against an OHA side that looks every bit a premiership contender.
The Ships remain second on the ladder following last weekend’s 1-1 draw with NWG and have won both previous meetings with Derwent comfortably, recording 7-0 and 8-2 victories.
Next up, ladder leaders North West Graduates face Canterbury. A final-quarter equaliser against OHA last weekend kept the Bulldogs on top of the ladder, and they will be expecting to maintain their position against a side they have already defeated twice this season.
The 3-0 and 2-0 scorelines reflect two matches NWG controlled, although Canterbury remained competitive throughout. The Lions know an upset would significantly boost their hopes of catching University in the race for the final spot in the top four.
The day concludes with University taking on DiamondBacks. While being held to a draw by Derwent last weekend was a setback for University, they remain four points clear in fourth place and in control of their finals destiny.
DiamondBacks’ depth will continue to be tested by players competing at the Masters World Cup, along with the departure of star defender Lily Bushby. Despite those absences, they will be confident of remaining hot on the heels of OHA and NWG after winning the two previous meetings with University 3-1 and 5-0.
Fixtures
Men
NWG v Canterbury, 11:45am, THC 1
University v DiamondBacks, 1:15pm, THC 1
Derwent v OHA, 2:45pm, THC 1
Women
Derwent v OHA, 11:45am, THC 2
NWG v Canterbury, 1:15pm, THC 2
University v DiamondBacks, 2:45pm, THC 2
