LGSHA 2025: Carter’s strike gives wily Mt Barker the edge over North Albany in Retravision A-grade contest

Laura Carter scored the only goal of the game as Mt Barker edged North Albany in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association’s Retravision women’s A-grade competition on Saturday in Albany. Renae Parsons bossed the midfield for Mt Barker and Olivia Riggall was always a threat, but Redbacks had chances, notably from a penalty corner which was blocked heroically by Clare King. Urged to press by coach Darren Parkes because they had nothing to lose, Redbacks came close in the final stages but Mt Barker stayed strong to move level with their rivals on points after the 1-0 result. Mt Barker coach Richard Ewen admitted his side had been fortunate to hold on at the death. “It was an even game, we had chances and so did they,” he said. “They really pressed in the second half, so we were maybe a bit lucky in the end.” Parkes’ view was that his side had made a slow start and could not get the better of Mt Barker’s wise heads. “We were missing a few players but we didn’t really turn up,” he said. “They had the experience and the level heads who controlled the game.” Parsons, King and Carter were Mt Barker’s best while Stella Gordon, Beck Gallimore and Tully Joy caught the eye for Redbacks. Spencer Park head the ladder, three points clear of North Albany who trail Mt Barker on win ratio. Lauren Spinks, Chloe Bunny, Ruby Bradbury and Charlotte Clayton scored for the defending premiers in their 4-1 victory over Manypeaks. Georgia Stephenson found the net for Manypeaks and performed well, along with Kathryn Slattery and Bronwyn Pitman. Rachael Goetze, Tallulah Gouldthorp and Sarah Hearle were Park’s best performers. Parkes had a busy day, for once his coaching duties were over, he was in action on the pitch for Spencer Park in the men’s A-grade competition against Manypeaks. It was Peaks who were first out of the blocks converting two penalty corners for a 2-0 lead. However, Park were able to gather their wits and fight back with two corners of their own, the game eventually ending 3-3. Jack Mills, Mitch Bradbury and Ryan Johnson were on target for Manypeaks while Park’s response came from Mitchell Pike, Charlie Hudson and Parkes. Mills, Bradbury and Oliver Douglas played well for Peaks while Pike, Ben Ross and Parkes were Park’s best performers. Parkes said they had been able to adjust after a team talk at quarter-time. “We were very much on the back foot at the start, but we were able to change focus and, in the end, we got them on the hop,” he said. The draw means Spencer Park stay top of the ladder, three points clear of Manypeaks. In the other game, Redbacks beat Mt Barker 2-0 thanks to goals from Reuben Law-Davis and Jack Stevens. Astyn Temby, Hamish Wilkes and Lawson Terpstra were on form for Redbacks while Aaron Downham, Oliver Ritchie and Nic Slade did their best in a losing cause for Mt Barker.