Redbacks claim back-to-back LGSHA women’s A-grade premierships after flurry of late goals against Mt Barker

North Albany have claimed back-to-back Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade premiership after a resilient grand final win over Mt Barker yesterday. Redbacks had lost six of the past seven grand finals before last year’s triumph but they have now won successive titles. After finishing as the minor premiers, Redbacks advanced through to the decider after their semifinal win and then proved far too good for Mt Barker in the grand final. Mt Barker were right in the contest in the first three quarters in pursuit of their maiden premiership but weren’t able to keep up with a rampaging Redbacks outfit in the final term. Three final quarter goals sealed the 5-2 victory for the Redbacks as they were crowned the 2021 premiers. Michelle Ericsson finished with a brace to be named best on ground. Ericsson netted the first goal of the contest midway through the first term after a scrappy play in Redbacks goal circle after the initial penalty corner play was denied. In the second term both teams had their opportunities to score but were unable to find the back of the net, with desperate defence keeping penalty corners for both teams out. Redbacks youngster Lauren Spinks produced a superb run down the pitch that set up a deflected shot from Kylee Ferrell, putting their side up by two goals. Mt Barker goal keeper Ashlyn Gardner made a wonderful diving save to deny a Redbacks penalty stroke and then Jessica McPartland found the back of the net inside the final minute of the third stanza to drag Mt Barker back into the contest. However Redbacks responded strongly with Ericsson scoring her second goal early in the fourth before quick goals from Nicole Spinks and Ferrell sealed the win. Tara Simpson added a goal late in the final term for Mt Barker but the damage had been done earlier in the term. Ericsson and Ferrell were very solid contributors up front for Redbacks while Cate McDonald gave her side plenty of drive and youngster Tara Cunningham was solid in defence. Nekesha Fish was strong for Mt Barker along with Simpson and McPartland.