LGSHA 2023: Spencer Park start new men’s A-grade season in scintillating form with 12 goals in two victories

Reigning premiers Spencer Park have started the new men’s A-grade season in scintillating form, netting 12 goals across the first two rounds on their way to dominant wins. In round two of the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association competition, Park slammed home seven goals in their demolition of Vikings on Saturday. James Leiper netted a hat-trick in the 7-1 victory for Park, while teammate Brodie Sarre finished with a brace. State country star Darren Parkes was outstanding and also found the back of the net, while Hennie Botha scored Park’s other goal. Leiper was highly influential up front and Andre Gabriel was also impressive as Park started the 2023 campaign with two big results. Vikings’ David Pyle scored his side’s only goal, while Reuben Law-Davis and Burger van Zyl were also in the best players. In the other men’s A-grade fixture Manypeaks withstood a strong challenge from North Albany to win their first game of the season. Striker Mitch Bradbury scored twice in the 3-2 victory, while Cameron Curtis also put one away. Peaks were best served by Chris Metcalfe, Oliver Douglas and Tim Pyle. Conversions from Travis Douglas and Simon Philpott gave Redbacks a sniff, with Philpott, Oliver Ritchie and Hamish Wilkes all playing well in defeat. North Albany recorded an impressive win in round two of the women’s A-grade competition on Saturday night. A double from Lauren Spinks powered Redbacks to a 4-1 triumph at the final whistle. Spinks caused problems for the Spencer Park defence all night, while Michelle and Felicity Ericsson also scored. Beck Gallimore and Jasmine Wallace joined Spinks in the best players for the winners. Goalkeeper Bonnie Crook was superb in the loss for Park, with Chloe Bunney and Paige Ogden both winning plenty of the ball, and Jade Reid scored their only goal. New outfit LGSHA won their first game, downing Manypeaks 2-1. Goals from Natasha Lewis and Renae Parsons guided the composite team to victory. That pair were influential along with Bronwyn Pitman, while Zoe Mills scored for Peaks and her side had strong contributions from Renae Sheridan and Corline le Grange.