LGSHA 2023: North Albany withstand strong challenge to seal fourth consecutive women’s A-grade premiership

North Albany completed a historic four-peat of Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade premierships on Saturday, outlasting a hard-running Spencer Park in the grand final. Park fought back from a one-goal deficit to draw level in the second period but it was a Kelly Burlikowski strike late in the final term that sealed it for the Redbacks. The reigning premiers had to overcome an effective high press applied by Park as they put significant pressure on their ball carriers out of defence but Redbacks class shone through late in the piece. Redbacks dominated the first quarter, Beck Gallimore and Felicity Ericsson having early chances saved before Beck Gallimore slammed home the opener from a penalty corner at close range. However, Park were finding success with their constant pressure in the second term and were rewarded with a penalty stroke after a Redbacks’ infringement in the goal circle. Annie Judd calmly converted the penalty as Park continued to fight and both sides were locked at one goal apiece heading into half-time. Neither outfit could muster any clear cut chances in the third period, Redbacks’ Beck Gallimore floating a ball wide before Park had a chance repelled at the other end. Early in the final term, Judd gave away the ball in midfield with Redbacks nearly pouncing on the chance and they continued to ask questions of the Park defence in the minutes that followed. Park goalkeeper Bonnie Crook withstood a barrage of chances in the goal circle before a ball fell into the path of Burlikowski at the back post. The ball was played from the left side of the field and zipped past a host of Redbacks and Park players, Burlikowski diving to fire home the winner with eight minutes remaining on the clock. Burlikowski received a yellow card minutes later for an errant challenge as well as Parks’ Talullah Gouldthorp in the final minute of play but Redbacks held on for a famous win. “It was a tough game like we expected, we knew Spencer Park would come out with something different and we would have to adapt to what they through at us,” Redbacks coach Darren Parkes said. “We did really well to stick to our game plan and play as a team and come through with the win. “Getting the first goal was key for us and everyone winning their own one-on-one battles.” Beck Gallimore was brilliant throughout and was named best afield in the decider, driving her side forward on countless occasions while Felicity Ericsson, Burlikowski and Lauren Spinks also shone. For Park, Gouldthorp and Judd showed their class while Georgina Lilford and Paige Ogden were also strong contributors in a losing affair. Park coach Matt Heberle was full of praise for his side despite the heartbreaking loss. “It was disappointing but the girls came off really proud of themselves after the game,” he said. “We had a pretty lacklustre first quarter where we didn’t do what we spoke about during the week or before the game. “In the second and third quarter and even in the last quarter we showed that we could match them but it just fell the wrong way in the end unfortunately. ‘We forced some turnovers and changed the way they played out of their back line a bit which was positive. “North (Albany) are a good team and they always find a way to score and that is what separates them really.” The grand final triumph sealed a near-perfect season for the Redbacks as they claimed victory in every game they played, their only official blemish coming from a forfeit earlier in the regular season.