Tense one-goal win in LGSHA men’s A-grade competition helps Manypeaks claim second place on standings

Manypeaks jumped to second place on the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade ladder after a tense one-goal win over North Albany in round eight on Saturday. Peaks leapfrogged Redbacks on the standings courtesy of their 3-2 triumph, as star Mitch Bradbury again found the back of the net. In a game that ebbed and flowed Peaks were able to secure three points on the back of goals from Bradbury, Hayden Mills and Andre Van Rooyen. Strikes from Bradbury and Van Rooyen gave Peaks a 2-1 lead at half-time before Robert Stan-Bishop converted a penalty stroke to level the scores in the third quarter. The winning goal came from a deflection off the stick of Hayden Mills to hand his side victory. Hayden Mills continued his outstanding form this season to play a key part in Peaks’ third win of the season while midfield star Chris Metcalfe was also influential along with Jack Mills. The win lifted Peaks to nine points, level with Redbacks at the same stage of the season but Peaks moved to second courtesy of their better goal difference. Redbacks’ Stan-Bishop was the shining light for his side, netting both goals and trying in vain to create a third goal. Oliver Ritchie and Jack Carlson were among the better players for Redbacks but they slipped to a fifth loss of the season and fell back to third on the ladder. In the other men’s A-grade fixture played on Saturday, Spencer Park continued on their winning ways as they put five goals past Vikings. James Leiper was the main beneficiary of his side’s dominance of possession, netting a hat-trick while Darren Parkes and Mitchell Dolan also scored in the 5-2 victory. Park star Brodie Sarre was again outstanding for the winners, well supported by Brock Keymer and Parkes, as they chalked up an eighth straight win. Park have a maximum 24 points from eight games and have conceded only seven goals to be clear title favourites heading into the second half of the season. Vikings’ experienced trio David Pyle, Tim Burns and Matt Heberle all toiled hard but their side lacked polish up front. There was only one women’s A-grade fixture played on Saturday night. Mt Barker recorded their fourth win of the season as they beat Manypeaks. Mt Barker gun Laura Archer found the back of the net and her strike was all that separated the two sides in the end. Tara Simpson stood out for Mt Barker in the 1-0 win while Sarah Buckley and Archer won plenty of possession. Emma Tomlinson, Laura Cinanni and Corline le Grange were the best for Peaks. Redbacks forfeited against Park.