Manypeaks and Spencer Park do battle in LGSHA men’s A-grade competition with grand final berth on the line

Close rivals Manypeaks and Spencer Park will do battle in an intriguing Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade preliminary final on Saturday afternoon. The LGSHA’s finals format in the A-grade competitions will see the top two sides face off in a preliminary final, with the winner progressing to the grand final. The loser of that match will have another chance, coming up against the third-ranked team who have the first week off in the finals. Peaks are the defending premiers in the men’s competition, downing Park 3-0 in last year’s grand final to clinch a ninth title in 14 years. Park have been the standout team in 2022, winning 13 of 15 games in the regular season and boast a goal difference of 31. Their only loss came at the hands of bottom side Vikings in early August while they drew with Peaks in a match that ended 5-5 last Saturday. In their other encounters this season Park have claimed the points, twice winning 5-2. Competition stars Brodie Sarre and Darren Parkes will be hoping to lead their side directly into the decider, in their quest to make amends for last year’s title defeat. Peaks have mixed their form this season and will be chasing big performances from quality striker Mitch Bradbury and star midfielder Chris Metcalfe in their bid to beat Park for the first time this season. The two sides will meet at 4.30pm on Saturday. In the women’s A-grade finals series, North Albany and Spencer Park will face off for a spot in the grand final. Redbacks are chasing a hat-trick of titles and finished the regular season eight points clear on top of the ladder. Park won the first two encounters between the pair this season, one match was forfeited and Redbacks claimed a 5-0 win in round 10. The points were shared in their most recent clash on August 20. The two sides will clash at 3pm on Saturday with the winner earning a place in the decider and the loser facing an elimination final against Mt Barker. LGSHA A-GRADE PRELIMINARY FINALS Women’s A-grade 3pm - North Albany v Spencer Park Men’s A-grade 4.30pm - Spencer Park v Manypeaks