Redbacks widen gap at top of table

North Albany moved eight points clear of their nearest rivals in the Albany Retravision Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition after collecting four points last week.

The women’s A-grade competition had a double-header of fixtures and Redbacks recorded a draw and a win to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.

Last Thursday night, Redbacks shared the points with a determined Spencer Park in a thrilling round 6 contest.

Park came from 3-1 down to pinch a point as they scored the final two goals in a 3-3 draw.

On Saturday afternoon, the reigning premiers came up against Tigers to kick off round 7 and, courtesy of a hat-trick from Cionne Fage, they recorded their fifth win of the new season.

Fage netted three goals while star teenager Tallulah Gouldthorp was also on the score sheet as Redbacks finished 4-1 winners to skip further clear on top of the ladder.

Fellow youngster Mackenzie Poulish was influential in the victory, along with Fage and Gouldthorp while for Tigers, experienced pair Georgie Powis and Renae Hordyk were strong across the full 70 minutes.

The other round 7 match between Park and Manypeaks has been postponed until this Sunday.

Last Thursday night, a goal from Amy Sandilands was all that separated Mt Barker and Tigers in their clash in Mt Barker.

Mt Barker’s second win of the season lifted them to third place on the table, with Casey Doak and Jessica McPartland again strong contributors for the home side.

In the men’s A-grade, Redbacks recorded their first points of the season with a high-scoring win over Park last Saturday.

Matt Heberle and Pieter Coetzee scored twice for Redbacks who prevailed 5-4 in a thrilling encounter.

Sam Brown and youngster Sam Want tried their best to get Park back on level terms but they fell short in the end.

Defending premiers Mt Barker made it two wins from as many matches the previous evening at home, prevailing 2-1 over Peaks.

Park meet Mt Barker tonight in round 3, while Peaks and Redbacks face off on Saturday afternoon.

In the women’s competition, Redbacks and Mt Barker do battle in Albany tonight and Tigers come up against Peaks on Saturday in the other round 8 fixture, while the rescheduled round 7 match will see Peaks double up and play again on Sunday.