Lively Manypeaks deny late charge from Spencer Park

Spencer Park’s finals hopes are slipping away after their narrow loss to Manypeaks in round 10 of the Albany Retravision Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade competition on Saturday afternoon.

Peaks were on the board early in the battle between the third and fourth-placed teams and they continually held Park at arm’s length as the match went on.

After two first-half goals from Peaks, finally Park were able to find the back of the net as things began to open up after the break.

Peaks steadied with a third goal but again Park responded through Tim Yap and from there they went on the attack chasing an equaliser.

Despite a number of late chances on goal Park couldn’t get back on level terms as Peaks finished 3-2 winners in a gripping contest.

The result was Peaks’ fourth victory of the season and helps them surge six points clear of the last placed Park.

Kieran Howie was terrific for Peaks along with Hudson Field and Andrew Hannig while Tim Yap scored a double for Park and was well supported by youngster Sam Want and key linkman Sam Brown.

Spencer Park have the task in front of them with five rounds to play as they try to force their way back into the top three and secure a berth in the preliminary final.

In Sunday’s other men’s A-grade fixture Mt Barker all but ensured they would finish on top of the standings and play in this season’s grand final after defeating North Albany.

Redbacks are second on the ladder but a double from Nic Slade in the end proved the difference as Mt Barker won 3-1 at home.

Kurt Wise and Alex Fergie were important for Mt Barker in their eighth win of the season while Matt Heberle and Tim Burns did their best to get Redbacks over the line.

Park are firming to play finals in the women’s A-grade competition following their important 2-0 win over Tigers on Saturday afternoon, which lifted them to third place on the ladder.

They scored a goal in each half, including one to returning striker Georgina Lilford, as they won their fourth game of the season and moved five points clear of Tigers on the standings.

The Tigers were well served by Charlotte Powis and Brigitte Rockwood-Turner but their side is in fifth place and in danger of missing the finals with five rounds to play.

In the other game on Sunday, Mt Barker won their third successive game after a comprehensive 3-0 result over Peaks to further strengthen their top two claims.