Josh Poke had steered the Lions to an early advantage as they sought to keep pace with Derwent for second position on the ladder. The finishing skills of Toby West ultimately proved the difference between the two sides, capitalising on penalty corner opportunities to snare a fine second half hat-trick. Poke snagged a second goal in a typically industrious individual performance for which he has become accustomed. OHA’s Sam McCambridge did his Tasmanian Senior selection no harm with the Ships’ other second half goal as they remain on track to end their 33 year old Premiership drought.

Derwent skipped clear in second position with a 7-1 thumping of Prince of Wales Wellington. Paul Ancher and Alistair Addison snagged two goals apiece, while Vaughan Bowen, Patrick Ward and Mark Roberts rounded out the Strikers’ goals. Simon Costello rewarded the Maroons’ hard work and disciplined structure with their goal.

On Friday night, the battle for the fourth finals position hotted up as North West Graduates grabbed a last gasp equaliser through James Peters with just 34 seconds remaining. Graham Brennan had put the Bulldogs in front but a University second half fight back saw Andy Isles capture a fine reverse stick equaliser. Adam Clifford appeared to have found an unlikely winner and lifted University into the four with a powerful 62^nd minute strike high into the net, only for Peters to convert from close range in the dying seconds. The result ensures North West Graduates remain fourth on superior goal difference ahead of their clash with winless Prince of Wales Wellington.

Results: OHA 4 (T West 3, S McCambridge) def. CANT 2 (J Poke 2), DER 7 (A Addison 2, P Ancher 2, V Bowen, P Ward, M Roberts) def. POWW 1 (S Costello), UNI 2 (A Isles, A Clifford) drew with NWG 2 (G Brennan, J Peters).