Vikings in last-gasp finish

Vikings moved three points clear of last-placed Spencer Park after two final-quarter goals in the driving rain guided them to a second win in the Albany Retravision Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition on Saturday night.

The round five contest seemed destined for a scoreless draw as wet conditions made life tough for both sides.

Entering the final term with the scores locked at nil-all, Vikings finally capitalised on their opportunities in the goal circle as Lorissa Ferrell put the new outfit ahead.

Buoyed by the first goal, Vikings continued to put the Park defence under pressure and they scored a second time when Corline Le Grange tapped home a goal with six minutes to play.

Park had the only penalty corner of the last term but, much like their night, failed to conjure a significant shot on goal.

In total, Park had five unsuccessful penalty corners and for three quarters, their defence was rock-solid under plenty of pressure, led by Annie Judd, while goalie Grace Hourston saved a certain goal on the last line in the third.

The first half was a stalemate, neither side creating many meaningful circle penetrations.

The game opened up in the third quarter as Park missed their moment to strike when Jayne McTaggart hit the post.

Park then snuffed out a Vikings shot on goal and resulting penalty corner, and Park themselves had three consecutive penalty corners of their own to end a busy quarter.

Charlotte Powis was terrific in the back half for Vikings and was well supported by Gemma Cook and Ferrell, who linked up well going forward.

Jorja Williamson and Kylie Tschabotar were solid contributors in the loss for Park.

Mt Barker on Saturday were too strong at home to North Albany as they jumped to second place on the ladder.

Mt Barker finished 5-3 winners over the Redbacks thanks to a hat-trick from Rachel Hoey and strong performances by Laura Archer and Jessica McPartland.

In the men’s A-grade, Manypeaks won a tight encounter with Spencer Park-Tigers 2-1.

Goals from Craig Gambrell and Kieran Howie were enough for Peaks to win a fourth game of the season. North Albany were also on the winners’ list as they beat Mt Barker 3-1 up in Mt Barker.