Manypeaks secure first LGSHA men’s A-grade premiership since 2016 after polished grand final performance

Manypeaks have continued their domination of the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade competition in the past two decades, winning a ninth premiership in 14 years on Saturday. An emphatic final-quarter performance guided Peaks to a 3-0 win over Spencer Park in the grand final, handing Peaks their first title since 2016, and denying Park back-to-back premierships. Peaks won eight of nine grand finals between 2008-2016 and had not tasted success for four seasons. But two final-quarter goals lifted them back to premiership glory. In a highly-skilful and fast-paced game, Peaks found the back of the net at crucial stages. Peaks goal keeper Heath Cremasco produced a strong save midway through the third stanza before star Mitch Bradbury converted after a second penalty corner attempt to put his side one goal up going into the last quarter. Early in the final term Peaks were on the attack, but Park goal keeper Simon Whitfort produced two terrific saves in the space of 10 seconds to deny them. Whitfort again stopped a strong Peaks shot before they had an attempt of their own just minutes later from a penalty corner but that shot was blocked. Damen Guest put Peaks two goals up with four minutes left after a penalty corner conversion before Bradbury sealed the win with a great flick from a penalty corner in the final minute to hand Peaks the title. Chris Metcalfe was everywhere to be named best-on-ground in the title triumph. Hayden Mills and Bradbury were also solid contributors while Cremasco was vital in goals and Kieran Howie solid in defence. First-year Peaks coach Ash Mills said it was fantastic for the club to return to premiership success. “I started playing for Manypeaks when I was eight-years-old and getting asked by the boys to coach was the best feeling,” Mills said. “Winning a premiership in the first year was a dream. “When a club hasn't won one for a few years a hunger starts to build and everyone wanted it badly. “At each break I was saying to the boys stay strong be patient it will come. “Spencer Park played a great game and threw the kitchen sink at us but our backs and midfield stayed strong. “Having the boys play the game in the style they did with smooth short corners and strong field play by the whole team was such a proud day for the club.” Rowan Gilbert and Stuart Burnsfield were strong in defence with their side constantly under pressure while Darren Parkes and Whitfort battled hard as well. It was a very competitive start to the decider with Park having a penalty corner chance early but Parkes shot was just wide while Peaks had a strong shot late in the first that was also unsuccessful. Peaks had six penalty corners, which led to all three of their goals, while Park had three penalty corners in the game but couldn’t break the drought. Park captain-coach Parkes said Peaks executed well. “I’m 100 per cent proud of how the boys performed this year even with all the outs and injuries we had, we still made it to the big dance,” Parkes said. “Going into the last term I knew we still had a chance. “We were a team that could score in the first minute and the last minute but unfortunately it wasn't our day. “They just finished their opportunities and we didn’t.”