LGSHA 2024: Spencer Park celebrating special women’s A-grade premiership after ending rivals’ winning run

Spencer Park women’s A-grade captain Tessa Wood has described the “special feeling” of claiming their first premiership since 2018 to cap a superb day for the club. Park finished with the cherished women’s and men’s A-grade title double, winning both Lower Great Southern Hockey Association grand finals on Saturday. In the women’s decider, North Albany’s golden premiership run came to an end as Park emerged 3-0 victors. Wood paid credit to the playing group and their bond developed during a successful year. “It’s a pretty special feeling to win that,” she said. “We had quite a few new faces this year, gaining Rani (Flynn), Nicole (Jacobs), Anna (Moffat) and Lauren Spinks. “Plugga (Matt Heberle) has taught us a lot and got us to shorten up our game, which really worked. “Credit to North Albany. They have been the pinnacle for the last four or five years, and it was good to finally beat them.” The Redbacks were chasing a historic fifth straight premiership but they were no match for a slick Park outfit, who netted two second-half goals on their way to a superb title triumph. Nicole Jacobs was outstanding for the winners, with her influence through midfield and second-quarter goal helping her claim the medal for player of the final. Most of the first half was a dour, contested affair before Jacobs forced home the opening goal from close range with five minutes left until half-time. Tallulah Gouldthorp nearly doubled Park’s advantage on the stroke of half-time but her tomahawk shot sailed wide. Park pressed hard in the third term, winning three penalty corners, but it was another scramble near the goalmouth that netted their second goal. After an initial save, Anna Moffat tipped the ball towards the goal and Gouldthorp was in the right place at the right time, with her deft touch helping double the advantage. Park led 2-0 at the last break and were on the verge of something special and it was Jacobs again, this time setting up the sealer for captain Tessa Wood. Wood happily tapped in her side’s third and final goal, sparking rapturous celebrations among the Park faithful. A late penalty corner save from Park goalkeeper Bonnie Crook ensured a clean sheet and a grand final to remember for the side, who spent much of the season in second on the ladder behind the Redbacks. Flynn and Ella Sarre were also impressive for the winners, while the defensive trio of Crook, Annie Judd and Rachael Goetze were resolute throughout the afternoon. Redbacks were best served by Casey Gabriel and Georgie Powis in the loss.