Peaks claim three-peat with thriller

Manypeaks claimed a three-peat of Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women's A-grade premierships after prevailing 4-3 over North Albany in a thrilling grand final on Saturday evening.

In a tale of two halves, Peaks looked to have killed off the contest in the first 35 minutes when they slammed home four goals which stunned Redbacks.

The second half was a different story, however, as Redbacks launched an incredible comeback and came very close to sending the match into extra time.

Recently crowned LGSHA women's A-grade fairest and best Courtney Robinson was at her damaging best in the opening half, scoring the first two goals in the Peaks' dominant period of play.

Robinson beat Redbacks goalkeeper Ruby Tompkins to open the scoring after almost five minutes of play and she bobbed up again after 15 minutes when her brilliant run into the attacking circle and tomahawk strike found the back of the net.

Peaks continued to attack with Robinson and Renae Parsons controlling midfield, and the dangerous Georgia Stephenson then made it 3-0 with a clever field goal.

Nearing the break, Peaks added a fourth goal with Annie Judd able to convert their second penalty corner of the first half.

Four minutes into the second half, Redbacks struck back with Sophie McDonald delivering a terrific ball into the back post where Issy Burcham happily tapped the ball in.

Youngster Carina Cronje then stepped up, first setting up Redbacks' second goal which came from a Tiffany Bradshaw deflection.

Then, with seven minutes remaining, she brought the crowd alive with their third goal.

Redbacks surged forward with Cronje getting around a defender to slam home a brilliant goal from the edge of the circle.

In search of an equaliser, Redbacks pushed forward in numbers in the final five minutes and put enormous pressure on the Peaks defence but they stood firm, led by goalie Saffron Iffla.

Iffla made a number of important saves during the game when Redbacks appeared almost certain to score, and she received terrific support from Emma Pyle.

Parsons was awarded the best on-ground medal for her efforts with Robinson, Pyle and Georgia Stephenson also vital to the result.

Peaks coach David Stephenson was relieved his side were able to hang on in the dying stages.

"I was very pleased with our first half, our conversion rate was outstanding," he said.

"We were well positioned but they are a good side and they came back well.

"I knew our girls would dig deep and I'm proud of them, I believe it was a win they deserved."

Cronje was superb for Redbacks along with Beck Gallimore and Aeneva Poulish, but coach Matt Gouldthrop said his side were left to rue the first half.

"They probably had six chances and hit the scoreboard four times," Gouldthrop said.

"In the second half we started taking our opportunities.

"It was a momentum swing and we only needed one more. Overall I was really happy with the effort."