LGSHA 2024: Redbacks’ two-goal third term helps sink Mt Barker, Spencer Park get points on technicality

North Albany remain five points clear on top of the ladder with six rounds remaining in the regular season after notching their seventh win on Saturday afternoon in Mt Barker. Redbacks are pursuing a fifth consecutive Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade premiership and their 2024 campaign has been next to faultless. That form continued in round nine as Redbacks netted two goals in the third quarter, on their way to victory over a determined Mt Barker side. Both sides had their fair share of opportunities in a scoreless first half, but Redbacks produced a productive third term to set up the win. Redbacks had an early penalty corner chance that was denied, and Mt Barker nearly scored on the counter, as Renae Parsons hit the post after a solo run into the attacking area. Redbacks broke the deadlock with two minutes left, when Charlotte Powis scored. Moments later that advantage was doubled when Michelle Ericsson also beat the Mt Barker defence, leaving the home side with it all to do in the final quarter. Mt Barker earned an early penalty corner in the fourth, but the Redbacks’ defence was up to the task. However they didn’t finish with a clean sheet after Parsons pegged a goal back with more than 10 minutes to play in the game. Parsons dribbled around defenders and then smacked the ball home to give her side some late hope. The experience of Kelly Burlikowski and Casey Gabriel was telling in the second half and Ericsson provided a constant threat in the attacking half for the winners. Laura Archer and Parsons were terrific for Mt Barker who are yet to register a point this season. Meanwhile Spencer Park officially won the other women’s A-grade fixture, after opponents Manypeaks were penalised for fielding an unregistered player. Park collected all three points and their fifth win of the season to stay in touch with Redbacks in the race for top spot. The game was a cracking contest that ended in a draw but ultimately Park moved 10 points clear of Peaks as a result in the battle for a top two spot. Park scored first and then lost Ella Sarre to a nasty facial injury. Kathryn Slattery equalised for Peaks as the match ended locked at 1-1.