Spencer Park’s frantic flourish fails to displace North Albany

Despite two victories in a frantic final few days of the regular season, Spencer Park were unable to reel in North Albany, who finished on top of the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade ladder.

As a result, Redbacks progressed directly through to next week’s grand final after they finished one point clear of Park in the standings.

Park were a chance to jump to first place after they won their encounter with Redbacks 3-0 on Thursday night.

Mitch Dolan scored a brace and Darren Parkes also found the back of the net as Park cruised to a fifth win of the season.

Park faced the last-placed Mt Barker in their final game of the normal season on Saturday and they put five goals in the net to join Redbacks on 19 points.

Dolan and Parkes both scored two goals while teammates Andre Gabriel and Tim Yap shone as Park won 5-2.

Tim Shephard and Byson Turner were able to peg goals back for Mt Barker.

But despite the best efforts of Ollie Ritchie and Matt Heberle, they finished the year without a win.

Redbacks played the later game on Saturday night and they escaped with a 1-1 draw against Manypeaks.

Leander McQuade was the goal scorer for Redbacks as they collected one point and ensured they finished on top of the table.

Peaks were emphatic 6-1 winners over Mt Barker on Tuesday night in the other men’s A-grade fixture.

In the women’s A-grade competition, Mt Barker won the war with North Albany for top spot and direct entry into the decider.

Mt Barker defeated Manypeaks last Tuesday and then three goals from Amy Sandilands on Saturday powered Mt Barker to a 3-1 triumph over Vikings.

With Mt Barker on 17 points, Redbacks had the chance to move to top spot with two games last week.

On Thursday night, they beat Vikings 2-1 to join Mt Barker on 17 points.

In their Saturday fixture, however, Redbacks lost to Manypeaks and finished in second spot due to their inferior goal difference.

Rachael Goetze was the sole goal scorer for Peaks in the 1-0 result.