Premier League Round 7 Review
Published Mon 25 May 2026
Bridley Strikes Late To Inflict Bulldogs First Loss
Defending premiers DiamondBacks claimed a major victory in Round 7 of the Premier League women’s hockey season, defeating North West Graduates 2-1 in a rematch of last season’s grand final.
Having already beaten DiamondBacks in Round 2 and won all six of their opening matches, the Bulldogs looked set to extend their unbeaten start when the contest was locked at 1-1 with just a minute remaining after Ashleigh Arthur had cancelled out Ellie McDonald's opener. But Tassie Tigers star Phillida Bridley secured a dramatic late winner, as she turned int the circle before firing off a powerful shot that deflected in off a defender to see the DiamondBacks close the gap at the top to just 2 points.
Elsewhere in the women’s competition, OHA ensured just two points separate the top three sides on the ladder, with captain Julia Gunn scoring twice in a convincing 4-0 win over University. Sofie McLeod continued her strong goalscoring form by opening the scoring, whilst Taylor Brooks also hit the scoreboard.
Finally, Canterbury claimed a victory, as captain Madi Curtis led from the front, scoring both goals in her side’s 2-0 victory over Derwent. The Lions skipper has been a consistent performer for her side this season and was instrumental as her side claimed its second victory of the season.
Sproule Stars as University Continues Men’s Charge
In the men’s competition, University maintained their strong form with an impressive 6-3 win over OHA. Fresh off being named in the Australian A squad on Friday morning, Oscar Sproule celebrated in style by scoring four goals, including a brilliant individual effort to open the scoring, whilst Ben Read also chimed in with a pair of goals to take his season's tally into double digits. The free-scoring duo are the top goalscorers in the competition, with 13 and 10 goals respectively.
DiamondBacks added to North West Graduates’ recent struggles with a dominant 6-1 victory, featuring six different goal scorers in an outstanding attacking display that lifted them into third place on the ladder. Oliver Pritchard, Patrick Donegan, Jack Pritchard, Joey Bush, Oscar Pritchard and Tyler McDonald all hit the scoresheet, with Oliver Stebbings pulling one back via a penalty corner for the Bulldogs.
Canterbury remain second on the ladder after edging out Derwent 1-0 in a tight, low-scoring contest, with a deflected strike from Harry Faulkner proving the difference in a tight contest. The Strikers pushed hard in the dying embers of the game, winning some late penalty corners and pushing hard late to find a leveller, but the Lions remained resolute at the back and held firm to claim the first.
Women
DiamondBacks 2-1 NWG
Canterbury 2-0 Derwent
OHA 4-0 University
Men
University 6-3 OHA
DiamondBacks 6-1 NWG
Canterbury 1-0 Derwent
