LGSHA 2024: Spencer Park stage big comeback with three final quarter goals to deny Manypeaks in men’s A-grade

Spencer Park produced a stunning comeback to pinch three points in their round six Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade fixture on Saturday. Park’s only blemish this season came at the hands of their opponent Manypeaks back in round three and it appeared that Peaks were on their way to another win over the reigning premiers. A strong opening half that yielded two goals and some terrific defensive work denied Park a goal until the second half of the third quarter, had Peaks in the box seat at the last break. However a superb finish from Park secured their fourth win of the season, as they slammed home three goals in a clinical final term. Brodie Sarre scored two wonderful goals to lead the way in the 4-3 victory while Josh Dallimore and Finlay Robertson also scored in the final quarter. Park nearly opened the scoring on the cusp of quarter time when Nathan Williams linked up with Ben Ross but Ross’s shot was just wide of the goal. Peaks had the only three penalty corners of the second period, as they poured the pressure on Park’s defence. Hayden Mills had his shot from an early penalty corner deflected away and then goalie Simon Whitfort blocked another shot with his chest. Whitfort brilliantly denied Mitch Bradbury’s attempt from a penalty corner soon after. Peaks had done a lot of attacking but their keeper Jon Blechynden was also called into action, ensuring his side kept a clean sheet to half time, and veteran Tim Pyle’s deft touch in the circle allowed Bradbury to slam home a field goal with four minutes left. Campbell Mayne then doubled Peaks advantage two minutes later, with an outstanding long-range conversion. Park responded almost immediately after half-time, Sarre sharply converting a penalty corner to break his side’s goal drought. However, a second goal from Bradbury handed Peaks a 3-1 lead at three-quarter-time. The work of Sarre through midfield and talented youngster Charlie Hudson was vital in the final-quarter comeback as Park returned to top spot with a marginally better goal difference than their opponents. Peaks were best served by Mayne and Jordan Dwyer while Jack Mills gave plenty of drive and Bradbury was constantly a threat up front. Mt Barker registered their first win of the after a 4-2 win at home against North Albany. Astyn Temby finished with a hat-trick to snap Mt Barker’s five-game losing streak while John Righton also scored. Meanwhile in round six of the women’s A-grade competition, North Albany made it six straight wins as they defeated Mt Barker in Mt Barker. Beck Gallimore and Sarah Buckley scored in the 2-1 victory, as Redbacks remain eight points clear of the second-placed Spencer Park. A Tallulah Gouldthorp strike was the difference between Park and Manypeaks in their clash. The goal helped Park notch their third win of the campaign and jump three points clear of Peaks on the ladder.