North Albany a step closer to third straight women’s title after strong semifinal victory over Spencer Park

Title favourites North Albany have reached a 10th straight grand final after edging past Spencer Park with a narrow win in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association’s women’s A-grade semifinal on Saturday. The Redbacks finished 2-1 winners in a tightly contested affair, with a second-half goal proving the difference as they progressed to yet another decider in their bid to win three straight premierships. Park were on the back foot early, conceding two penalty corners in the sixth and 11th minute of the first quarter. Redbacks’ Jessica Kendall made no mistake from the second penalty corner, slamming home the first goal of the match to put her side up at the end of the first period. Both sides had their fair share of play early in the second term before Louise Quartermaine bobbed up for Park, finding the back of the net from a penalty corner. On the verge of half-time a penalty corner was awarded to the Redbacks but Park held firm, with scores locked at 1-1. Park and Redbacks endured a tight tussle in the third quarter, with both sides struggling to conjure strong chances in their attack circles. However, Redbacks stalwart Beck Gallimore emerged in the goal circle following a penalty corner in the final stages of the third, slamming home a stunning strike to put her side 2-1 ahead. Park tried valiantly to level the scores in the last period, with Redbacks goalie Chloe Whitford making a desperate save to deny an equaliser late in the play as they held on for a gritty win. Gallimore was outstanding in the semifinal triumph and well supported by Danielle Howson. Park have a double chance as a result of finishing second and will face Mt Barker in this Saturday’s preliminary final to determine who advances to the decider to face the Redbacks.