LGSHA 2025: Spencer Park grab A-grade spoils as Spinks and Gouldthorp strike against short-handed Manypeaks

Manypeaks have struggled for numbers this season and without any bench players they went down 2-0 to Spencer Park in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition on Saturday. The round seven clash was an even affair, but the reigning premiers closed out a third victory of the campaign over their rivals with goals from Lauren Spinks and then Tallulah Gouldthorp. Peaks coach Daniel Baker said his side had created chances but the lack of interchanges from the bench had cost them. “It has been tough with availability all season, but I’m hopeful to have some players coming back for the second half,” he said. “We had three players out injured for the season before the season had even started. “We had opportunities ourselves against Spencer Park but not having any subs was difficult. “The players worked really hard, and we were just punished by two breakaway goals.” He welcomed back former State country player Meg Slattery, twin sister of Kathryn, who played her first game since having a baby. Both Slattery twins and Georgia Stephenson played well for Peaks. Gouldthorp, Spinks and Sarah Hearle were on fire for Park. It was a different story for the Manypeaks men who took advantage of an injury-hit Spencer Park to win their A-grade clash 3-1 on Saturday. While Park’s Darren Parkes found the net from a penalty corner, Peaks young guns took the points with goals from Judah Loynes, Oliver Douglas and Mitch Eley. Hayden Henning had a great game at centre-half while, up front, striker Douglas and left-inner Hayden Mills caused problems. Andre Gabriel, Charlie Hudson and Connor Davies did well in defeat for Park. Peaks coach Ashton Mills was on the sidelines, pressed into umpiring the clash. “I think we are getting better and better, but we caught them at a good time for us as they had a few out with injuries,” he said. Previously this season the sides had drawn 2-2 and 3-3, with Mills delighted to get a first victory. “I am really pleased, the team gelled really well,” he said. North Albany enjoyed a good round with their men’s and women’s sides beating Mt Barker. Stella Gordon and Bec Gallimore were on target for the Redbacks in their 2-0 women’s win, while Steven Wiech got the only goal in the men’s 1-0 victory.