Michelle Ericsson guides North Albany to victory in final round of women’s A-grade season over Manypeaks

North Albany finished the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade regular season in winning style, recording two strong victories at the weekend. Redbacks finished 11 points clear on top of the ladder after defeating Manypeaks on Saturday and then beating Mt Barker in a rescheduled game on Sunday. A brace from Michelle Ericsson guided Redbacks to a 3-2 victory over Peaks in round 15. Sarah Gallimore netted the first goal of the game after a deflection before Ericsson followed the trend soon after to put her side up by two. Peaks hit back in the third stanza with youngster Renae Sheridan trimming the deficit heading into the last term. However, Ericsson added her second in the last quarter and despite Charlotte Edwards converting a penalty corner late in the fourth, Redbacks held on. Lauren Spinks was strong in the win along with Kelly Burlikowski and Cate McDonald. Edwards was solid in defence for Peaks. Emma Pyle and Isabelle Plowman battled bravely but their season came to an end. Redbacks finished 2-1 winners over Mt Barker the following day. Ericsson netted a brace again for the victors. Amy Sandilands found the back of the net for Mt Barker. Spencer Park secured a spot in the top two with a 2-1 victory over Mt Barker last Wednesday. Park finished the regular season on a winning note and four points clear of Mt Barker as Chloe Bunny and Henrietta Lilford scored in the win while Sandilands netted Mt Barker’s goal. Redbacks pushed their way into the finals of the men’s A-grade competition after securing an upset 3-2 win over Peaks. Peaks have lost their past three games heading into the finals despite two goals from star Mitch Bradbury on Saturday night. A brace from Ashley Eikelboom helped Redbacks secure their third win of the season while Troy Osborne also found the back of the net. Reigning premiers Park claimed the minor premiership after a 3-all draw against Vikings, who missed a finals berth as a result. Alex Fergie, Andre Gabriel and William Mutton scored for Park while Willie De Klerk, Leander McQuade and David Pyle netted Vikings goals.