SWINDON FLAMES MATCH REPORTS - 11/05/08

SWINDON FLAMES JUNIOR REDS 5 v KSF VIPERS 3

Swindon Flames Junior development side, The Reds, took to the rink in the sweltering heat of Sunday looking for their first league win of the season when they faced off against KSF Vipers at the Farnborough Leisure Centre.

Despite the soaring temperatures The Reds were determined to reverse their fortunes and in a tight and exhausting game it was the Reds who stole the initiative when team captain, Jamie Baker latched on to a John Spence pass to score the game’s opening goal. However, within minutes the Vipers struck back with an equaliser, setting the pattern for the remainder of the match. The Reds clawed back in front through good forward play with John Spence finishing Jamie Townsend’s assist but once again KSF fought back to see the teams go in for the halt-time break tied at 2 all.

The second half saw some fine saves from Reds netminder, Adam Rose, as the Vipers sought to establish the upper hand but it was the Swindon side that regained the initiative with Kyle Coupe combining well with Chris Weymouth to score the Red’s third goal. As in the previous half the Vipers were not to be outdone and soon equalised setting up a test of stamina for the final, energy-sapping, run in. The Reds held their nerve and their concentration and perserverence were rewarded with further goals from Jamie Baker and Kyle Cuope to secure a much-deserved 5 –3 victory.

Reds manager, Russell Weymouth, said, after the game, “ This goes down as a credit to all the players for putting together a committed team performance in adverse conditions”.

SWINDON FLAMES YOUTH  6 v KSF VIPERS 4

Earlier in the day, and in only slightly cooler conditions, the Flames Youth team were looking to continue their good run of form when the faced off against KSF Vipers. Goals from John Spence, Alex Baker, Jack Townsend and Kyle Coupe saw the Swindon side to half time with a five goal advantage.

With the points as good as in the bag the Flames appeared to lose their concentration and were punished by both the referee and KSF as the Swindon side conceded a rash of minor penalties which resulted in the Vipers being able to claw themselves back into the game with 4 unanswered goals. At 5- 4 the Flames managed to regain some of their composure and the game was wrapped when Kyle Coupe found the back of the net for the second time to give the Flames a 6-4 victory.