LGSHA 2024: Spencer Park with perfect grand final display to end North Albany’s title run in women’s A-grade

Spencer Park have ended North Albany’s golden grand final run in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition, with a comprehensive 3-0 victory in this year’s decider. The Redbacks were chasing a historic fifth straight premiership but they were no match for a slick Park outfit, who won their first women’s title since 2018 and capped a brilliant day for the club. Park had earlier won a third straight men’s A-grade premiership and then the women’s side netted two second-half goals on their way to a superb title triumph. Nicole Jacobs was outstanding for the winners, her influence through midfield and second-quarter goal helping claim the medal for player of the final. The majority of the first half was a dour, contested affair before Jacobs forced home the opening goal from close range with five minutes left before half-time. Tallulah Gouldthorp nearly doubled Park’s advantage on the stroke of half-time but her tomahawk shot sailed wide. Park pressed hard in the third term, winning three penalty corners, but it was another scramble near the goalmouth that netted their second goal. After an initial save, Anna Moffat tipped the ball towards the goal and Gouldthorp was in the right place at the right time, her deft touch helping double the advantage. Park led 2-0 at the last break and were on the verge of something special and it was Jacobs again, this time setting up the sealer for captain Tessa Wood. Wood happily tapped in her side’s third and final goal, sparking rapturous celebrations among the Park faithful. A late penalty corner save from Park goalkeeper Bonnie Crook ensured a clean sheet and a grand final to remember for the side who spent much of the season second on the ladder behind the Redbacks.