LGSHA 2024: North Albany remain undefeated in women’s A-grade title defence, three teams locked in men’s comp

North Albany’s glowing start to the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association Retravision women’s A-grade competition kept rolling after comfortably defeating a travelling Mt Barker side on Saturday. The Redbacks beat Mt Barker 4-1 in Albany thanks to a brilliant brace from Michelle Ericsson and singles from Casey Gabriel and Sarah Buckley. Beck Gallimore was instrumental in her side’s victory while Felicity Ericsson was also a strong contributor. Renae Parsons was one of the shining lights for Mt Barker and Clare King was their only goal scorer. A defensive slog marked the other women’s A-grade game with Spencer Park and Manypeaks settling for the first draw of the season. Staunch in defence, neither side could break the deadlock and they were forced to share the points with a 0-0 draw. Meg Slattery and Asher Peake were among Peaks’ best while Elsa Curwen and Ella Sarre stood out for Park. Peaks’ Lysbeth Cunningham and Peake were each cautioned with a green card in the result. Through the opening three rounds of the Retravision men’s A-grade season three sides are locked at a 2-1 record as they each grapple for control at the top of the ladder. Manypeaks worked their way back into the winners’ circle following last week’s loss to North Albany with a commanding 3-0 win over Spencer Park. Jason Ray, Oliver Douglas and Mitch Bradbury all netted a goal in the win. Despite being shown a green card, Jordan Dwyer was named in Peaks’ best and Campbell Mayne was also a standout performer while Andre Gabriel fought hard all game for Park. In the other men’s A-grade match, Redbacks secured a hard-fought victory over Mt Barker in Albany. A goal from the stick of Daniel Fisher was the difference between as the hosts prevailed 1-0. Simon Philpott, Travis Douglas and Boyd Rae were all superb in their side’s victory and Steven Wiech was handed a green card. Mt Barker’s Astyn Temby was phenomenal in the losing affair and was supported well by Paul Stobie.