LGSHA 2023: Spencer Park grind out preliminary final win to book spot in grand final in women’s A-grade

Spencer Park have advanced to the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade grand final, edging past a determined LGSHA side in the preliminary final on Saturday. Despite controlling large parts of the contest, a sole Sienna Ball goal in the second quarter proved the catalyst for Park in a gruelling encounter. The winners had plenty of chances to double their advantage but a stingy LGSHA defence held firm, showing plenty of fight against a rampant Park attack. An early penalty corner was pushed back before Park’s Tallulah Gouldthorp was afforded a chance on goal, her attempt going wide. Paige Ogden missed a chance on goal from a penalty corner in the final moments of the first quarter but it was a brilliant piece of individual skill from Ball in the second term that would open the account. A classy run had Ball through on goal, afforded a one-on-one chance against LGSHA shot-stopper Emmeline Cunningham, Ball finding a gap and dinking the ball past her at the 14-minute mark. LGSHA had their first real chance from a penalty corner, Clare King’s shot kept out by Park keeper Bonnie Crook. Park hammered the opposition in the second stanza and earned four penalty corners as Georgina Lilford’s effort was blocked in the opening minutes. That dominance continued into the final term and despite a wave of attacking drive, they could not find the final touch required to double their advantage. A flurry of five penalty corners in the opening 10 minutes were staved off, Ogden narrowly missing another attempt for Park. Charlotte Whitfort missed a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper before LGSHA earned a rare penalty corner of their own. Natasha Lewis nearly levelled scores for LGSHA but her shot was saved. In a last-ditch effort to snatch a late goal, goalkeeper Cunningham was subbed off as LGSHA went all-out attack but it wasn’t enough, Park holding on for a grinding result to advance to the decider. Park will look to deny North Albany a four-peat of premierships in the grand final this Saturday.