Two first-half goals help North Albany complete women’s A-grade three-peat over Mt Barker in LGSHA grand final

North Albany are Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade premiers for the third consecutive year after a commanding 2-0 grand final win against Mt Barker on Saturday. Two first-half goals were the catalyst in the Redbacks’ triumph, with captain Sarah Gallimore opening the account in the early stages of the first quarter. A Charlotte Powis strike just before half-time was enough to seal the Redbacks’ win, defeating Mt Barker in the decider for the third time in as many years. Sarah Gallimore said a fierce start from her side played a key role in the outcome of the match. “We were very happy to get one early because it set us off on our game, it really set the tempo,” she said. “They (Mt Barker) really stepped up in the third quarter and we knew after our injury to Renae (Hordyk) we had to step up another 10 per cent to keep them out. “I was really happy with the end result, we would have loved to score a few more in the last two quarters but the tempo was good and it was one of the hardest games we’ve played against them this season.” The Redbacks had earned a penalty corner within the first three minutes and Sarah Gallimore made no mistake as the ball fell to her in the goal circle, firing home the opening score of the game. Mt Barker had an opportunity to equalise in the 10th minute of the first quarter after three successive penalty corners but the Redbacks repelled them and went into the first break narrowly ahead. Mt Barker withstood immense pressure in the second period as Redbacks streamed forward, with Lauren Spinks almost doubling their advantage on the 10-minute mark but she sprayed the shot wide. With two minutes left in the half, Sarah Gallimore executed a deft pass into the goal-circle before Powis picked up the loose ball and slammed her shot into the bottom corner to put her side 2-0 up. In a lively opening to the second half Mt Barker won two penalty corners and Redbacks were on the back foot. Redbacks’ Hordyk was struck on the head defending an incoming ball and was helped from the ground midway through the the third quarter. The game threatened to break open in the fourth quarter with Mt Barker pushing forward and a Zali Spencer shot was saved from a penalty corner. Mt Barker had another opportunity at the eight-minute mark but missed before Redbacks young gun Lauren Spinks almost found the back of the net after a blistering run shortly after. A chance arose for Mt Barker’s Shaydn Gardner after a superb run into the goal circle but she slipped while trying a tomahawk shot. Redbacks failed to convert from a penalty corner in the final two minutes of the game but held on for a gruelling win to secure a hat-trick of A-grade titles. Veteran Kelly Burlikowski was named best afield for an outstanding performance in four quarters. Spinks, Beck and Gallimore provided great drive for the winners all afternoon. Michelle and Felicity Ericsson were also busy in the defensive half. Mt Barker’s Spencer, Stacey Hawkes and captain Laura Archer were impressive in the loss. Archer lamented her side’s missed chances but gave credit for a determined four-quarter effort. “The score didn’t really reflect how it felt out there, I think we still had half of the balls but they just made the most of their opportunities in front of goals,” she said. “We had quite a few short corners and we didn’t capitalise on them but I’m really proud of the girls, no one had a slack game at all. “North (Albany) are a great team and we knew it was going to be really hard... I love these girls, we love playing together and it’s an absolute privilege to rock up and play with them every week.”