Emphatic 4-1 victory for Spencer Park over reigning premiers North Albany in round two of new LGSHA season

Spencer Park caused an early upset in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition as they beat reigning premiers North Albany on Saturday afternoon. Park were knocked out in last year’s preliminary final but have made a strong start to the 2022 campaign with successive wins. After a tense 1-0 win over Mt Barker in round one, Park backed that up with a strong victory over last year’s premiers in round two. Park finished 3-1 winners over Redbacks at the final whistle after goals from Elsa Curwen, Tessa Wood and Annie Judd. Redbacks pushed hard in the last half to try to get back on level terms but the Park defence was resolute, led by goalkeeper Bonnie Crook who was outstanding, with a number of crucial late saves to stop Redbacks pinching a goal back. The best-afield display from Crook was well supported by Wood and Ella Sarre as Park moved to six points from two games. Michelle Ericsson was the sole goal scorer for Redbacks and she was joined in the best players by Sarah Gallimore and Bridget Tilse. In the other women’s A-grade clash, played on Sunday, Mt Barker recorded their first win of the season, running out emphatic 4-1 winners over Manypeaks at home. Shaydn Gardner was outstanding with two goals in a highly influential display for the home side. Mt Barker teammate Laura Archer was also prolific, scoring and winning plenty of the ball, and Jessica McPartland scored their other goal. Peaks were best served by Laura Cinanni while their goal scorer was Lysbeth Cunningham. Meanwhile in the men’s A-grade competition, Spencer Park made it two straight wins as they accounted for North Albany on Saturday afternoon. Park claimed a 2-0 triumph to start the new season with successive wins. Darren Parkes and James Leiper both found the back of the net and new recruit Brodie Sarre was terrific in the triumph. Robert Stan-Bishop, Ollie Ritchie and Simon Philpott all tried hard for Redbacks. On Saturday night Manypeaks collected their first points of the season, downing Vikings 1-0 thanks to a strike from Josh Elliott. Veteran Tim Pyle was superb for the winners and he was joined in the best players by Hayden Mills and Andre Van Rooyen. Experienced Vikings player David Pyle was their best contributor.