Manypeaks close in on finals berth after drawing with Vikings in women’s A-grade competition

Manypeaks appear likely to play finals in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition after drawing with Vikings in round seven on Saturday night. Mathematically, the fourth-placed Vikings remain a faint hope of finishing in third spot but will need to win both their remaining two games emphatically, and for Peaks to lose their final game. After their draw at the weekend, Peaks remain six points clear of Vikings on the ladder. The top three teams will play finals, with the top side going straight through to the decider, and second and third meeting in a preliminary final, while fourth miss out. Vikings’ Georgina Lilford worked her way into the circle and scored with six minutes to play in the third, helping Vikings walk away with a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Emma Wilson netted Peaks’ only goal but they were unable to hold out a desperate Vikings side. Both sides had two penalty corners at the end of the third quarter but were unable to convert as both defences worked overtime. The ball was locked in Peaks’ front half for much of the last quarter but they were unable to break the deadlock as Vikings defended desperately to walk away with one point. Alice Lydiate worked hard across the four quarters for Peaks while Charlotte Edwards and Emma Pyle were solid in defence. Lorissa Ferrell, Isabelle Plowman and Georgie Powis were Vikings’ better players. Peaks missed their chance to lock away third spot on Tuesday night, losing their round eight clash to Mt Barker. Mt Barker moved to equal top spot with North Albany, who have a game in hand, after a Zali Spencer brace guided them to a 2-0 victory over Peaks. Mt Barker and Redbacks drew nil-all on Sunday in their round seven fixture as they battle it out for top spot heading into the final few games. In the men’s A-grade competition, Peaks drew 1-1 with Spencer Park on Saturday in round seven before finishing comfortable 6-1 winners over Mt Barker on Tuesday night in round eight. Redbacks kept their perfect season going as they recorded a 1-0 win over Mt Barker on Sunday in round seven. In the women’s A-grade competition, Vikings and Redbacks do battle tonight before the final two matches on Saturday. Spencer Park and Redbacks face off in the men’s A-grade competition tonight and their regular season ends after the last two games on Saturday as well.