Premier League Round 18 Review
Published Mon 17 Aug 2026
Ships Surge into Second as University Takes Control of Finals Race
OHA climbed back above DiamondBacks and into second place with a crucial 2–0 victory in their Round 18 Women's Premier League clash. Zayna Jackson opened the scoring before Sarah McCambridge added the second, securing an important three points for the Ships and lifting them into the double-chance position with two rounds remaining.
Earlier, University took a major step towards securing the final place in the top four with a thrilling 4–3 victory over Canterbury.
Captain Holly Gilbar opened the scoring before Blair Beard responded for Canterbury to level the contest. Gilbar then struck twice more to complete her hat-trick and put University 3–1 ahead, but Savannah Rice pulled one back for the Lions before half time.
Catherine Webster restored University’s two-goal advantage early in the third quarter, before Prue Dougan gave her side hope by cutting the lead to 4–3 late on, but University held on to move three points clear of Canterbury with two rounds remaining.
North West Hobart Graduates responded emphatically to their Round 17 defeat, recording a commanding 7–0 victory over Derwent. Beth Dobbie and Josie Crowden each scored twice, as Dobbie moved back ahead in the Golden Stick race, while Jemma Kenworthy, Isabelle Sharman and Millie Smith were also on target as NWG strengthened their goal difference, which could yet prove pivotal in deciding the top 2.
University Extend Winning Run as Double-Chance Battle Continues
In the Men's Premier League University extended their winning streak to seven matches with a hard-fought 5–3 victory over Canterbury.
Luis Cordero-Monks opened the scoring for University before George Faulkner equalised for Canterbury. William Sproule restored University’s lead, bringing up a remarkable milestone in the process: his side's 100th goal of the season. No side has achieved that mark since the 2007 season, and it was Sproule's first ever Premier League goal, after more than 100 Premier League appearances!
George Kitchener responded to make it 2–2 before Oscar Sproule put University ahead for a third time, only for Peter Mackey to level the scores fora third time heading into the final quarter. Oscar Sproule then completed his brace to make it 4–3 midway through the final quarter before Keenan Johnson sealed the victory with University’s fifth into an empty net.
DiamondBacks remained in second place and strengthened their pursuit of the double chance with an important 4–0 victory over OHA. Oliver Pritchard scored twice, while Tyler McDonald and Noah Thomas were also on target in a commanding performance from the Snakes as they ensured they remained ahead of the Bulldogs in the battle for the double chance.
North West Hobart Graduates kept the pressure on in that battle for second with a resounding 6–0 victory over Derwent. Oliver Stebbings and Harvey Bessell both scored braces, with Oliver Arnold and Alastair Stebbings adding the other goals as NWG remained within striking distance of second, should DiamondBacks slip up.
Round 18 Scores
Women
OHA 2-0 DiamondBacks Goal Highlights
NWG 7-0 Derwent Goal Highlights
University 4-3 Canterbury Goal Highlights
Men
University 5-3 Canterbury Goal Highlights
OHA 4-0 DiamondBacks Goal Highlights
NWG 6-0 Derwent Goal Highlights
