Second win of the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade strengthens Vikings finals aspirations

Three second-half goals lifted Vikings to an upset victory over Manypeaks in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade competition on Saturday. The 3-2 win strengthened Vikings’ finals aspirations in the process, as they jumped above North Albany to claim third spot on the ladder. Peaks netted two first-half goals but failed to hold out a desperate Vikings side, who notched just their second win of the season. Taylor Pocock netted Peaks’ first goal before star Mitch Bradbury converted from a penalty corner to hand Peaks a 2-0 advantage at half-time. But it was all Vikings from that point on as they slotted home the next three goals. David Pyle found the back of the net twice in the third stanza to level the scores heading into the last quarter before Rueben Law-Davis sealed the win with a deflection. Leander McQuade was influential in the win along with experienced pair Pyle and Matt Herberle. Hayden Mills tried his best to get Peaks back into the game while Tim Pyle and Bradbury also had plenty of possession but it wasn’t enough as the ladder leaders suffered their second loss of the season. Spencer Park got within three points of Peaks in top spot after recording a 2-1 win over North Albany on Saturday. Darren Parkes and Jacob Featherstone scored in the victory while Ashley Eikelboom scored Redbacks’ sole goal. Andre Gabriel and Charlie Huson were vital for Park while Eikelboom was Redbacks’ best contributor. In the women’s A-grade competition Park and Redbacks met on Tuesday night and Redbacks emerged 2-0 winners to move further clear on top of the standings. The other round 13 clash was won by Mt Barker on forfeit against Peaks.