LGSHA 2023: Premiers Spencer Park score game’s only goal to remain unbeaten in men’s A-grade competition

Spencer Park’s winning ways continued and their single goal result over Manypeaks left the latter still not secured in the finals of the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade competition. In round 13 on Saturday, Park recorded a 12th win of the season to remain well clear at the top of the standings. In a hard-fought tussle the opportunities were limited in the goal circle but a strike from Fergus Sandilands proved the difference. Sandilands scored the only goal of the game as Park prevailed 1-0 to keep their unbeaten status intact. Hennie Botha, Andre Gabriel and Neil Ferreira were all influential for Park, who have 37 points from 13 games and will finish clear on top of the ladder before a semifinal showdown with North Albany. Chris Metcalfe was superb for Peaks but their side just couldn’t find an equaliser in the match. Andrew Lister and Mitch Bradbury were also strong contributors for Peaks who lost an eighth game of 2023. Peaks are in third place with 12 points but can still be dislodged from the finals, sitting three points above the fourth-placed Vikings who have a game in hand. Vikings and North Albany drew in their clash on Saturday. David Pyle and Paul Stobie scored for Vikings while Simon Philpott and Travis Douglas found the back of the net for Redbacks. Neither side could break the deadlock however and collected one point each, enough for Redbacks to secure second spot and a finals double chance. Oliver Ritchie was terrific for Redbacks and was well supported by Philpott and Robert Stan-Bishop. Stobie, Tim Burns and Burger van Zyl were the best players for Vikings. Meanwhile in the women’s A-grade competition, reigning premiers North Albany thumped Manypeaks in round 13 on Saturday. Redbacks were clinical with their finishing and put seven goals past their rivals in an emphatic victory. Casey Gabriel finished with a double while Felicity Ericsson, Michelle Ericsson, Beck Gallimore, Sarah Gallimore and Charlotte Powis also got on the scoresheet. Felicity Ericsson, Sarah Buckley and Powis were Redbacks best players. For Peaks, Renae Sheridan led from the front and was well supported by Sharnee Weaver and Zoe Mills.