Premier League Round 17 Review
Published Mon 10 Aug 2026
Bridley Brilliance Sees DiamondBacks Sink Ladder Leaders
Phillida Bridley produced a match-winning hat-trick as DiamondBacks defeated North West Graduates 3-1 in a dramatic top-of-the-table clash.
North West Graduates had an opportunity to take a first-half lead, but missed a penalty stroke, which they were made to rue, when Bridley opened the scoring for the Snakes in the third quarter with a powerful penalty corner strike.
The Bulldogs gradually worked their way on top and found an equaliser with five minutes remaining when Jemma Kenworthy hammered the ball home.
However, Bridley responded just two minutes later to restore her side’s lead before completing her hat-trick into an empty net after the Bulldogs pulled their goalkeeper in search of another equaliser.
Bridley’s treble moved her level in the Golden Stick race, while the victory lifted DiamondBacks level on points with North West Graduates at the top of the ladder. Just one point now separates the leading three sides, setting up a thrilling finish to the regular season.
Image-Bridley provided a near instant response to restore the DiamondBacks lead
OHA remained firmly in the hunt for the minor premiership with a commanding 4-0 victory over University. It was the fourth time this season that OHA had kept University scoreless and the third consecutive meeting in which they had defeated them 4-0. Madeline Nogajski scored twice, with Sarah McCambridge and Johanna Craw also finding the back of the net.
The damage to University’s goal difference, combined with Canterbury’s earlier 2-1 victory over Derwent, elevated the Lions into the top four. Frances Goulding gave the Strikers an early lead before goals from Blair Beard and the in-form Nika Van Paridon, saw Canterbury come from behind to claim the points and move into the final finals position with three rounds remaining.
University Secure Men's Minor Premiership
In the Men’s Premier League, University officially secured the minor premiership after storming away in the second half to defeat OHA 7-2.
Despite Oscar Sproule’s absence, the ladder leaders showed they possess no shortage of firepower. Ben Read scored his second hat-trick in as many weeks to blow the game open after half-time, having led 3-2 at the main break. A brace from Joseph Murphy had kept OHA firmly in the contest throughout the opening half, but the Ships couldn't keep up with the defending Premiers, who stormed to a thumping win.
DiamondBacks strengthened their pursuit of the double chance with a 3-1 victory over North West Graduates. The result saw the Snakes leapfrog the Bulldogs into second place on the ladder.
Josh Commins opened the scoring for DiamondBacks in the second quarter, but Duncan Honey drew the Bulldogs level before half-time.
Luke Palmer restored the Snakes’ advantage before Commins scored his second into an empty net in the final minute, ending the Bulldogs’ late push to salvage a point.
Image- Commins seals the win as he deposits the ball into the empty net
In a crucial contest in the race for fourth, Derwent fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Canterbury. Lachie Rogers opened the scoring for the Lions in the first half before Jarrod Cunningham equalised for the Strikers.
With matches against the competition’s top three sides to come over the final three rounds, Canterbury pulled their goalkeeper late in search of a potentially vital winner. It was not forthcoming, however, and the teams were forced to share the points.
Men
University 7-2 OHA Goal Highlights
Canterbury 1-1 Derwent Goal Highlights
DiamondBacks 3-1 NWG Goal Highlights
Women
DiamondBacks 3-1 NWG Goal Highlights
OHA 4-0 University Goal Highlights
Canterbury 2-1 Derwent Goal Highlights
