SWINDON FLAMES MATCH REPORTS - 14/09/08

SWINDON FLAMES SENIORS 5 v ASH AVALANCHE 2 

The SASH league’s summer break came to an end on Sunday morning as the Senior Flames faced off against Ash Avalanche in a match crucial to the Flames ambitions of lifting league honours in their first season of competitive hockey. Going into the game as league leaders the Flames were looking to secure all the points against the only side that they had been unable to beat in two previous league meetings, losing one and drawing the other. Within minutes of the whistle the Flames task became even more difficult as Ash scored the first goal of the game as the Flames struggled to settle into the game following the prolonged summer break. Determined not to let their opposition get away from them the Flames fought their way back with an equaliser from Chris Adamson. With the balance restored the Flames began to find their feet and despite conceding two minor penalties in the first half the Swindon side went into a well deserved lead when Adamson scored his second of the game to take the Flames to the break 2-1 in front.

The second period began with the Ash side determined to force their way back into the game and following a five minute period of thrilling end to end hockey  they were rewarded for their efforts when the managed to find a way through the Flames defence to draw the sides level at 2-2. Within seconds the Flames responded by retaking the lead through a blistering strike from Craig Davies. Seconds later the  Flames seemed have the upper-hand when Davies again found the back of the net but a dubious call from the match officials saw the goal disqualified. The Flames misery was further compounded by a penalty call which saw the team down to 3 outfield players but, as in the first half, the team’s well drilled penalty kill line effectively shut out the opposition until the side where restored to full strength. With their opponents beginning to tire the Flames began to dominate and as they took control of the match Davies again found the back of the net to take the Flames into the last eight minutes of game time 4-2 in front. With the clock ticking down Ash launched into a desperate attempt to claw their way back into the game and again the Flames penalty kill line was called into action as the Flames conceded two separate penalties which left them short handed for half of the remaining time. Disciplined and determined, the Flames defence held firm and with two minutes left to play and the team back at full strength team captain Jim Grey converted to give the Flames a vital 5-2 victory over one of their closest rivals.

Speaking after the game team manager, Nigel Davies, said “ This was a season defining game for us, a “must win” game, and I’m really proud of the whole team for what was a really spirited performance against a side who we’ve found difficult to beat in previous games. It was a tough fixture, especially being the first game back from the summer break but the team showed a lot of determination and thoroughly deserved to come away from the game with all the points”. 

The win puts the Flames 4 points clear at the top of the table and with three games remaining the Swindon side need to secure 5 more points to lift the 2008 league trophy. The Senior Flames see action next Sunday with a double header that sees them looking to take a step closer to the title with games against Heathrow Reapers and Banbury Bulldogs. 

SWINDON FLAMES JUNIOR REDS 11 v HEATHROW REAPERS 3 

The Flames Junior development side the Reds also returned to the fray on Sunday with their most convincing win of the season with an 11-3 victory of the Heathrow Reapers. With both teams fielding short-handed benches the game proved to be a marathon for the players. Despite early resistance from the Reapers THE reds superior fitness soon began to tell and first half goals from team captain Jamie Baker, Bernadette Wagerfield and own goal from the Reapers saw the Reds to half time with a 3-1 lead. The Swindon side piled on the pressure from the first whistle of the second period with Baker completing a hat-trick and Jamie Townsend and Rob Webster snagging two a piece to 9-1 in front. With the game effectively over the Reds eased up and the Reapers responded with a late rally, bagging two, but a further brace for Townsend brought his tally to for and saw thr Reds to the final whistle as deserved winners 11-3.

After the game Russell Weymouth, Reds manager, said “ All credit to Heathrow for  a brave fight but I’m very pleased with a great win for the Reds. Like our opponents we were not as full strength and the win was a credit to everyone in the team who gave a 100% and a reward for some good hockey”. 

SWINDON FLAMES PEEWEE REDS 0 v OXFORD STORM 28 

Facing off against league leaders Oxford Storm The Flames youngest league side the Peewee Reds were faced with a daunting task and the difference in ability and experience soon began to tell as the Oxford side steamrolled the Reds to a 28 –0 defeat. Despite the one sided affair the Reds gave their all and continued to try stem the onslaught right up to the last whistle. Simon Smith, Reds team manager said after the game “ This was really a tough game for us but despite the score I’m really proud of the teams efforts and if there was an award for determination and effort then the whole team would be gold medal winners. This is the first season of  league hockey for almost all our players and they continue to improve and I’m sure that next season we will be a lot more competitive.”