Redbacks scrape home in late rally

Two last-gasp goals from North Albany have helped them all but ensure a top-two finish in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition after beating Mt Barker in their round-15 clash on Tuesday night.

In a midweek round of A-grade fixtures, Redbacks travelled to Mt Barker, but an upset appeared on the cards as the home side led with 10 minutes to play.

However, Redbacks conjured two late goals in the final five minutes as they ran over the top of Mt Barker to notch their eighth win of the season.

After trailing 2-1, the 3-2 final result pushes Redbacks 12 points clear of the third-placed Spencer Park with five games remaining in the home and away season.

In Albany, the other women’s A-grade fixture was played between Park and Manypeaks but strong performances from Emma Pyle, Charlotte Edwards and Lorissa Ferrell guided Peaks to a convincing victory.

Peaks led 3-1 at half-time and converted two penalty-corner opportunities in the second half as they finished 5-1 winners to maintain their seven-point buffer at the top of the standings.

Meanwhile in the men’s A-grade, ladder leaders Mt Barker recorded their ninth win of the season after prevailing over a gallant Redbacks.

Redbacks’ youngsters ensured Mt Barker didn’t have it all their own way but two first-half goals set the tone as the home side went on to win 3-0, led by Nic Slade and Brendan Havercroft.

Peaks proved too strong in Albany, with star David Pyle netting a hat-trick as his side downed an undermanned Park outfit 5-2.

Round 16 fixtures will also be played this weekend in both A-grade competitions.