North Albany net four goals on way to second win of LGSHA women’s A-grade competition

North Albany notched their second win of the season in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade competition after an impressive four-quarter performance on Saturday. Redbacks had a victory in the opening round of the new season before losing to early title favourites Spencer Park last Saturday. However, they responded strongly in round three against Manypeaks, putting four goals past their rivals on the way to a second win of the campaign. Talented youngster Jack Carlson was highly influential for Redbacks, scoring a goal in the 4-2 triumph. Hamish Wilkes, the in-form Robert Stan-Bishop, and star midfielder Simon Philpott also got on the scoresheet for the winners. Andre Van Rooyen and striker Mitch Bradbury found the back of the net for Peaks but it wasn’t enough to overhaul the strong Redbacks outfit. Hudson Field was rock-solid for Peaks and was well supported by Bradbury and Van Rooyen. Carlson’s efforts went a long way to Redbacks winning the game, while Stan-Bishop and Toby Tweddle were also in the thick of the action. In the other men’s A-grade fixture, Spencer Park marched to a third straight win, defeating Vikings 3-0 on Saturday. Ben Ross scored for the winners along with star duo Brodie Sarre and Darren Parkes as their side continued a perfect start to the new season. Charlie Hudson, Sarre and Ross were all superb for Park, who are three points clear on top of the ladder. Niven Brown was a stand-out for Vikings, while Tim Burns battled hard and goalkeeper Simon Whitfort was kept busy. A double to Michelle Ericsson was enough for North Albany to register a one-goal win over Mt Barker in a terrific contest on Saturday night. Ericsson scored twice and youngster Lauren Spinks also found the back of the net as Redbacks hung on 3-2. Goals from Shaydn Gardner and Sarah Eastough gave Mt Barker a sniff but they were unable to level the scores late in the game. Again, Ericsson was the driving force behind Redbacks’ second win of the season, while Sarah Gallimore and Renae Hordyk were also among the best players. For Mt Barker, Laura Archer was strong across the four quarters, along with Jessica McPartland and Shaydn Gardner. In the other women’s A-grade clash, Spencer Park took to the pitch against Manypeaks, but forfeited before the game officially began.