LGSHA 2024: Late equaliser from Redbacks results in sixth draw with Park in annual Jo Burling Memorial match

Spencer Park and North Albany have played out the sixth draw in the history of the Jo Burling Memorial after nothing could separate the pair on Saturday afternoon. In the 24th edition of the special fixture, that highlights the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association’s Cancer Awareness Round, the two sides shared the spoils after a late equaliser from Redbacks. The women’s A-grade match is played in honour of Albany hockey stalwart Jo Burling who died of breast cancer at the age of 42 after years of service to the LGSHA as a player, coach and umpire. Redbacks scored their ninth win in the memorial in 2023, evening the ledger with Park. Park scored first in this year’s contest via Tallulah Gouldthorp and entered the final term still holding their 1-0 advantage. However Redbacks finally broke the drought, as Stella Gordon converted a penalty corner opportunity with eight minutes to play to level the scores. Both sides pressed hard to net a winner but were unsuccessful as the match ended in a one-all draw. It was the sixth time the two sides have shared the memorial shield. Rani Flynn was outstanding for Park, helping them establish the early lead, while teammates Nicole Jacobs and Rachael Goetze were also influential. Redbacks were best served by experienced trio Georgie Powis, Michelle Ericsson and Kelly Burlikowski. In the other round 12 fixture Mt Barker moved within two points of the top three, as they keep their bid to play finals alive. Goals from Laura Archer, Katelin Woithe and Sara Eastough handed Mt Barker a convincing 3-0 win over Manypeaks. Mt Barker are two points adrift of Peaks on the ladder, with only the top-three teams playing finals. Renae Parsons, Archer and Brianna Cunningham were terrific for Mt Barker in their second win of the season. Peaks were well led by Pippa Wilson, Asher Peake and Emmeline Cunningham but they face a fight to hold on to third in the last three weeks of the regular season. Meanwhile in the men’s A-grade competition two goals from Jack Carlson guided North Albany to an impressive 4-2 win over title fancies Spencer Park. Redbacks are now six points behind Park with three rounds to play, leaving second spot still up for grabs. Manypeaks netted five goals in their ninth win of the season, thumping Mt Barker 5-1 to stitch up top spot on the ladder.