Joint winners in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association’s two major A-grade awards

The Lower Great Southern Hockey Association’s two major A-grade awards amazingly both finished in ties after thrilling vote counts on Saturday night. Beck Gallimore and Laura Archer couldn’t be separated in the women’s A-grade fairest and best award, while Mitch Bradbury and Chris Metcalfe shared the top gong in the men’s A-grade. North Albany’s Gallimore and Manypeaks’ Metcalfe won their second fairest and best awards, while Peaks’ Bradbury and Mt Barker’s Archer claimed their maiden honours. After winning the award last season, Gallimore finished this season in red-hot form, polling three votes in three of the final four games to tie with Archer on 16 votes. Archer had a decisive lead after 11 rounds and sat on 16 votes ahead of three players on seven, including Gallimore. However, Gallimore was awarded three votes in round 12, 13 and 15 to reel in Archer. “It’s a great achievement to win two years in a row, it shows I’m playing some consistent hockey,” Gallimore said. “I thought I played well at the start of the season but didn’t manage to have much influence on the game but as the season progressed I have been able to have more influence on the game. “I polled most of my votes against Mt Barker so hopefully I can have another good game this weekend and we can win the premiership, which is why we all play hockey.” Archer finished runner-up in 2018 and said she wasn’t expecting to win. “I knew I had a good start and figured I didn’t have a great end to the season,” she said. “I would swap the fairest and best medal for a premiership win any day.” Spencer Park captain Georgina Lilford (10 votes) finished third ahead of Park’s Laura Cinanni (8) and Peaks’ Emma Pyle (8). Bradbury returned to his junior club this year and dominated to finish on 18 votes, the same as his captain Metcalfe. After 11 rounds Bradbury was on 18 votes and Metcalfe hot on his heels with 15. Metcalfe was best-afield in round 12 to join Bradbury, who didn’t receive any votes in the final five rounds, on 18. “I’m humbled to be recognised as a player in this way,” Bradbury said. “I love my hockey and strive to always perform at my best yet emphasise the need for fairness and good sportsmanship in a competition. “I was happy with the way I have played this season and have enjoyed reconnecting with old teammates. “Chris and I have played a fair bit of hockey together, including a stint at the Fremantle Hockey Club, so it’s great to be able to share it with him as a friend and teammate.” Metcalfe won the award back in 2015 and said it was nice to share it with Bradbury. “I won back in 2015 so it’s a big honour to become a two-time fairest and best winner,” he said. “I would love to win a premiership over individual success any day. “It’s nice to share it with Mitch, we have played in Perth together and are good mates so it’s great to share the honour with him.” Rounding out the top five were Redbacks’ Robert Stan-Bishop (14 votes), Vikings’ David Pyle (11), Park’s James Leiper (10) and Vikings’ Tim Burns (10). In the other awards, Spencer Park Dark’s Jemma Foy won the women’s B-grade fairest and best with 23 votes to edge out Sian Turner (21). Mt Barker Black’s Matt Perry and Mt Barker Red’s Oliver Ritchie tied for the men’s B-grade fairest and best on 22 votes. Sarah Lowry was named LGSHA volunteer of the year while Park’s Charlie Hudson and Redbacks’ Lauren Spinks were rising stars. Bradbury scored the most goals in the men’s A-grade comp with 29 while Larissa Ruvidini netted 16 goals in the women’s A-grade.