Swindon Junior Flames 6 - Ash 0

Sunday 28^th Feb  2010 @ Farnborough

Swindon juniors started their season with a win which though looking convincing started off as hard work.The game was dominated by Swindon all through, though in the first half the players were unable to finish the play up front and get any goals. At the back Ash rarely broke through and Adam in goal had rare shots to deal with.

Coach Derek Wood, in charge for his first game back with Swindon, regularly changed the mix of players to endeavour to get the all important goal. Swindon were playing with 5 returning outfield players from last season, 4 from last years Reds and 3 new to the team, so finding the right blend was a challenge. The 1^st half ended goal free and 1 penalty on new player Mike Barton for hooking. 

The second half started and finally with 18.17 on the clock the opening goal came through Ctn. Matt Baxter from John Spence. The game intensity was raised, resulting in penalties on both sides at 14.25 (Jamie Baker). With 8.29 on the clock Jamie Baker scored in what would be a mad 30 seconds. By 8.11 Swindon had scored 3 goals courtesy of a pairing of Jamie and John to go 4-0 lead. With 5.09 on the clock, returning player Dave Wood scored and at 3.24 Mike Barton completed the scoring to make it 6-0. A 2 min penalty on Matt at 2.53 was killed, with Swindon on the attack all the time they were shorthanded. 

Chris Rose (manager) said, “ it was good for the players to secure the win, even if it was frustrating during the first half. They never let up and showed they can all play together in different mixes to get the results. It was an excellent scoreline and well disciplined game.” 

Scorers - Baker 2+1, Spence 1+2,  Baxter 1+0, Barton 1+0, Wood 1+0 

Swindon Peewee Flames returned to Farnborough following their previous weeks excellent season opening game against Banbury, to face their local rivals Oxford. Coach Paul Morrissey knew in  advance that this game was going to be tough, as Oxford had acquired new players from last season, and so it turned out to be. In a tough game, the Peewees eventually succumbed to a defeat by the better team on the day. Coach Paul Morrissey said after the game " This was a tough game for our players, most of whom are in their very first season of hockey. Oxford were the better team and I believe they will be challenging for the National title later in the year. Our guys did really well considering we are a developing Peewee team with some very young players. Our aims for the season have not changed as a result of this game, and we look forward to our next game against  Ash Avalanche this weekend."