Early strikes help North Albany record strong win over Vikings in LGSHA men’s A-grade competition

North Albany moved clear in second place on the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade standings after a strong win over Vikings in round six on Saturday afternoon. Redbacks star Simon Philpott scored in the first and second quarters and that was enough to hand his side their third victory of the 2022 campaign. Heading into the round, Redbacks and Manypeaks were level on six points but the 2-0 triumph byfrom Redbacks and Peaks losing later in the day has opened up a gap on the ladder. Philpott produced an early strike for his side against a resilient Vikings defence and it took just a matter of seconds to double that advantage in the second period. Redbacks led 1-0 at quarter-time but Philpott produced a smart conversion inside the opening minute of the second to put his side in command. Vikings struggled to get the ball forward with conviction and went into half-time down by two goals. An early penalty corner from Redbacks was denied by the Vikings defence, who were working overtime. The score remained the same at three-quarter-time and both sides had their chances to find the back of the net in the fourth but it was Redbacks who prevailed. Philpott was outstanding through the middle of the pitch for the winners and his two classy finishes proved the difference. Redbacks also had strong contributions from experienced head Dan Smith and playmaker Travis Douglas while Hamish Wilkes and Robert Stan-Bishop provided plenty of drive. Tim Burns and David Pyle did their best to drag Vikings back into the contest and Brodie Marsh won plenty of possession but their side lacked the finish up front, falling to a fifth loss of the season. In the other men’s A-grade fixture, Spencer Park stretched their winning streak to six games after accounting for Peaks. Charlie Hudson, Andre Gabriel and Mitchell Dolan all found the back of the net as Park notched a 3-1 win and now have a perfect 18 points from the first six rounds. Park goalie Antony Payne was superb in the win, denying Peaks on multiple occasions, and he was well supported by Hudson and the skilful Brock Keymer. Peaks star Mitch Bradbury led the way for his side with Hudson Field and Andrew Lister also named in the best players while Taylor Pocock scored their goal. North Albany went back to the top of the women’s A-grade standings after a 3-1 victory against Mt Barker in Mt Barker on Sunday afternoon. It was a fourth win of the season for Redbacks who leapfrogged Spencer Park as a result. Park could manage only a scoreless draw against Manypeaks and now sit one point adrift of Redbacks. Laura Cinanni was Peaks’ best while Annie Judd and Jamiee Shannon were rock solid for Park.