LGSHA 2025: North Albany win Jo Burling Memorial Match in a contest that’s ‘more emotional than a grand final’

North Albany won the 25th Jo Burling Memorial Match which celebrates the life of the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association stalwart who died of breast cancer at the age of 42. In a moving acceptance of the memorial shield, Redbacks captain Jayne Tweddle said taking part in the annual Retravision women’s A-grade contest with Spencer Park, which her side won 2-1, was more emotional than a grand final. “It was a great game, a great team effort by both sides,” she said. “I think I’m the last one standing who actually played with Jo and I was the same age last year as she was when she passed away. “It makes you realise how fragile life can be and that it’s simply an honour to play this game in Jo’s name.” The stands were full for the match and the crowd included many members of the Burling family and the family of Kellie York, who lost her life to breast cancer in 2008. York was honoured in the B-grade match between Spencer Park sides Dark and Light. Both games were part of the LGSHA’s Cancer Awareness Round. With Spencer Park in pink shirts and the Redbacks in pink socks, the A-grade affair was evenly matched, for while Park probably had the better of the first quarter they always had to be wary of Redbacks on the break. They spurned their best chance from a penalty corner while both teams missed from corners in the second quarter — Lauren Spinks firing wide for Park and Charlotte Powis doing the same for Redbacks. Another set piece went begging for Redbacks after half-time before Powis found the target to put them ahead. However, with two minutes left in the quarter a high clearance led to a Park corner which was bundled in by Rani Flynn after a double block from Redbacks goalkeeper Abigail Stan-Bishop. The winner came from Stella Gordon when a cross fired in from a long corner ended with her converting a bobbling ball at the far post. Park might have levelled but Tallulah Gouldthorp’s penalty stroke hit the post with a minute to go. The men’s A-grade clash between Spencer Park and North Albany was a humdinger in which the spoils were shared 2-2. The Redbacks’ opener was a belter as Park defender Andre Gabriel just failed to control Astyn Temby’s lofted ball into the circle and Hamish Wilkes whacked a cover drive into the top corner. James Leiper scored twice for Park, the equaliser coming with almost the last hit of the game. Park defender Darren Parkes coached the North Albany women before turning his attention to the men’s contest. He said it was important the LGSHA had got involved with an important issue. “It was a good day and I’m glad the association thinks it’s important to back causes like this,” he said. “We spoke after our game that it was a day for the ladies but it was important for the men to support them and I’m glad we put on a show with a great, hard-fought match.” In the other men’s game, Manypeaks roared back to form with an 8-1 demolition of Mt Barker. Back in the women’s A-grade, Mt Barker edged past Manypeaks 2-1. Olivia Riggall and Renae Parsons struck for Mt Barker while Kathryn Slattery responded for Manypeaks.