Peaks fight off dogged challenge to reach final

Manypeaks will again feature in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade grand final after eliminating North Albany with a strong second-half display on Saturday.

Peaks’ run of nine straight grand final appearances was ended last season when Mt Barker and Spencer Park played off in the decider, and at times Redbacks threatened to again end Peaks’ season at the preliminary final stage.

After an enthralling but scoreless first half, Peaks began to dominate possession and locked the ball in their forward half as Redbacks defended desperately on the last line.

It took 16 minutes but finally the deadlock was broken as Peaks star David Pyle cleverly wheeled around an opponent to rocket home a trademark field goal.

Peaks goalkeeper Heath Cremasco had been terrific all day and he came off his line to deny a Redbacks counterattack that looked certain to equalise things soon afterwards.

In the final 90 seconds of the match, youngster Taylor Pocock, who has enjoyed a terrific season at the top level for Peaks, made sure of the result.

Chris Metcalfe made a fast run into the attacking circle and was stopped by fill-in Redbacks goalie Troy Osborne but the ball spilled out the back to Pocock all alone, and he drilled home the 2-0 victory.

Metcalfe and David Pyle were both terrific in the win, while Cremasco finished with a clean sheet in a strong performance and Matt Stevens was also solid in the back half.

Experienced defender Matt Heberle led the way for Redbacks and he was well supported by Ashley Eikelboom in midfield and Travis Douglas. Peaks now progress to face Mt Barker in next Saturday’s grand final.