LGSHA 2024: Spencer Park surrenders top spot to Manypeaks, North Albany drops first points in title defence

Spencer Park squandered the chance to solidify top spot on the ladder after being forced to settle for a draw with a determined North Albany in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade competition on Saturday. Park were sitting two points clear of Manypeaks heading into round eight and looked destined to stay on top when player-coach Darren Parkes pounced on a deflection in the last quarter to give his side a 2-1 lead. But a stunning Lawson Terprstra strike in the final 10 seconds converted a pivotal brace and drew the ledger 2-2, forcing Park to surrender top spot. Earlier, Terpstra opened the account for the Redbacks after coolly finishing off devastating counter-attack following a Park penalty corner attempt in the opening quarter. Park’s James Leiper then converted a much-needed goal on the stroke of half time to even the scores. Peaks moved to the top of the table after notching a strong 5-3 victory over Mt Barker in Mt Barker on Saturday behind crucial braces from Campbell Mayne and Mitch Bradbury. Ryan Bedford, JP Swart and Louis van Senden all netted goals for the home side. Women’s A-grade ladder leaders and reigning premiers North Albany dropped their first points of the 2024 campaign after a 2-all draw with Spencer Park. The Redbacks had won their previous six outings and were sitting five points clear of their opponents heading into round eight, but were met with a determined Park side on Saturday evening. Nothing could separate the two sides at full-time as goals from Park’s Tallulah Gouldthorp and Emily Dew were mirrored by Redbacks’ Kylie Ferrell and Felicity Ericsson. Danielle Carne was superb for North Albany and was well supported by Ericsson and Chrissy Szuca-Grant. Park were best served by Elsa Curwen, Rani Flynn and Rachael Goetze. Mt Barker’s clash with Manypeaks was not played and will be rescheduled to a later date.