Manypeaks begin title defence with hard-fought win despite Vikings goal from former player Courtney Robinson

Reigning women’s A-grade premiers Manypeaks began the shortened 2020 Lower Great Southern Hockey Association season in winning fashion, as they edged out Vikings in an absorbing round 1 contest on Saturday afternoon After a first quarter of limited chances, Peaks opened the scoring in the second term on the back of some brilliance from new player Tahryn Trevenen. Trevenen’s solo run forward created the opening goal, as she passed into the circle where the awaiting Sienna Ball completed the simplest of conversions. Vikings had a couple of chances to score in the first half and that continued early in the third quarter when Lorissa Ferrell had two penalty corner chances, the first of which was denied by Peaks goalie Marisa Edwards and then the second sailed just wide of the left post. A second penalty corner for Vikings also went missing but through Ferrell and experienced defender Georgie Powis, they had begun to gain more control of the match. Still trailing in the final term Vikings won consecutive penalty corners and the second of those brought about an equaliser as Courtney Robinson, against her former team, finally ended the drought. Robinson’s first shot was saved by Edwards but she slammed a follow-up shot home with nine and half minutes to play. The joy of levelling the score for Vikings lasted less than 60 seconds, however, as the resulting play put Peaks back in front. Peaks got an immediate reply through the clever work of Trevenen, capping a fine match with a field goal that ultimately handed her side the three points. Vikings pressed late with another penalty corner but to no avail as Peaks finished 2-1 winners in the rain. Emma Pyle was resolute in defence and Charlotte Edwards also gave the winners plenty of drive while Trevenen was highly influential. Robinson starred in new colours and was well supported by Ferrell and Powis. In the other women’s A-grade clash on Friday night, North Albany and Mt Barker drew 1-1. A penalty stroke helped Spencer Park record a 2-1 win over Manypeaks in the men’s A-grade contest on Saturday night. North Albany won 5-1 over Mt Barker on Friday night. There are two A-grade matches in Albany on Saturday afternoon in round 2 and the remaining two will be played in Mt Barker on Sunday afternoon.