Sole goal sends Spencer Park into preliminary final

Spencer Park have knocked Manypeaks out of the finals race after they scored the only goal of a wet first semifinal in the Albany Retravision Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition on Saturday afternoon.

A goal to Georgina Lilford midway through the first half set up the 1-0 win over Peaks as they advance to this week’s preliminary final, where they will meet Mt Barker.

Peaks tried hard to fight back in the second half and put Park’s defence under immense pressure but they couldn’t conjure an equaliser.

Peaks had two penalty corners in the last 15 minutes, one hitting the post and the other narrowly missing.

Sarah Hearle was instrumental in the win, chopping off a number of attacks and scoring opportunities, and was well supported in the back half by Annie Judd and Kylie Tschabotar as Park progressed further than last season when they were eliminated in the same fixture.

Alice Lydiate and Charlotte Edwards were solid in defence, while Emma Pyle ran hard all day for Peaks.

In the second semifinal, North Albany took care of Mt Barker to advance through to the grand final in a fortnight.

Cionne Fage scored a hat-trick along with goals to Sophie McDonald and Tallulah Gouldthorp as Redbacks ran out 5-2 winners.

Laura Archer and Tara Simpson were the goal scorers for Mt Barker, who will need to beat Park to secure another crack at the defending premiers.

In the final round of the men’s A-grade home and away season, Park nearly caused an upset in Mt Barker on Sunday afternoon.

Minor premiers Mt Barker had to work for their victory against the bottom-placed Park but finished winners 5-4, ensuring they take winning momentum into the finals.

Nic Slade netted four goals for the home side and was well supported by Rick Wise and Niven Brown.

Angus Milne and Tim Yap both scored braces for Park, as their season came to a close.

In the other men’s fixture, Peaks and Redbacks drew 3-3 in their round 15 clash at Mt Barker.

Leander McQuade scored two goals and Travis Douglas was among the better players for North Albany.

For Peaks, Chris Metcalfe slotted a goal and was joined in the best players by youngster Matt Stevens.