LGSHA 2025: Reigning premiers on the board early in men’s title defence, draw in first women’s A-grade game

Spencer Park made a commanding start to their title defence in round one of the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade competition on Saturday, defeating Mt Barker 3-1. Hennie Botha opened the scoring for Park in the first quarter in a fast start for the reigning premiers. James Leiper and Mitchell Pike scored the team’s second and third goals in quick succession in the second term, leaving Mt Barker scoreless and on the back foot at half-time. Mt Barker pushed hard in the second half and skipper Nic Slade netted a crucial goal to give his side hope, but Park held firm to take a strong win at the final whistle. Charlie Hudson, Joe Robinson and Darren Parkes were Park’s best players, and Oliver Ritchie, Ryan Bedford and veteran Trevor MacMahon were keys for Mt Barker in a losing affair. Manypeaks also started strongly in the second men’s A-grade game, downing North Albany 3-1. Oliver Douglas starred for Peaks, netting two goals, and Ryan Johnson chipped in with one. Samuel Marsh was a shining light for the Redbacks, who lost to Park in the 2024 grand final, with the team’s only goal. Peaks were best served by Oliver Douglas, Jordan Dwyer and Jack Mills while Marsh, Tim Burns and Jack Stevens were influential for the Redbacks. The first game of the women’s A-grade competition ended with a draw between Spencer Park and Mt Barker. Both teams fought hard, but neither could break away after Charlotte Whitfort scored for Park and Clare King netted a goal for Mt Barker, leaving the teams on even footing at the end of the game. Rani Flynn, Rachael Goetze and Whitfort were terrific for the reigning premiers and Renae Parsons, Laura Carter and King stood out for the Mt Barker side. North Albany played a dominant game later in the night, taking a 2-0 win over Manypeaks. The Redbacks played a fierce game, managing to keep Peaks scoreless as Jessica Gatti and Anna Speirs netted their two goals, handing Peaks a disappointing start to their season. Redbacks had strong contributions from Stella Gordon, Beck Gallimore and Poppy Ford while for Peaks Emmeline Cunningham, Kathryn Slattery and Bronwyn Pitman were their best players.