Club Challenge Day - 11th August

 

Swindon Skater Hockey Club held a Club Challenge day on Saturday 11^th that saw Swindon Flames teams at all levels – peewee, youth, junior and senior – in action against the recently combined Sutton Vipers/ Kingston Street Flyers teams.

The Flames Peewee team (10-12 year olds) faced off in the first challenge match of the day against a Vipers team determined to improve on recent results, having twice been beaten by The Flames in current league fixtures. The young and inexperienced Vipers battled bravely throughout the game but The Flames proved to be too strong from the outset eventually finishing the game 9-1 victors.

The second game of the club challenge saw The Flames Youth side (aged 13-15) playing a Vipers side that they, like the Peewees, have defeated in their last two league encounters. Again Sutton Vipers were determined to improve on their past results but a solid start from the Flames saw them take a commanding lead within the first 10 minutes of the game and they eventually cruised to a convincing 8-2 win.

Next in action, The Flames Junior team  (16-18 year olds) faced off against a Sutton team who, because they play in different divisions of the league, rarely meet. The first period was a relatively close affair with little to choose between the two sides despite their differing league status. The second half was an entirely different matter in which the Flames team showed the form, which allows the team to perform well in the “A” division as they powered their way to a 10- 4 victory against their “B” division opponents. 

In the final challenge match of the day the newly formed Swindon Flames Senior team were in action for what was their first competitive game since the club formed an over-18’s side earlier this year. Facing an experienced Vipers/KFS side that have campaigned in the SASH league for several years The Flames started well and took an early lead in an exciting, hard-fought game. The evenly matched teams competed well throughout the first period but the Flames capitalised on their opportunities in front of goal and secured a 6-3 lead at half time. The second half was also closely contested and a determined Vipers side not only clawed their way back into the game but also took the lead, 8-7,with only three minutes remaining. Not to be denied The Flames battled on bravely and were rewarded for their efforts with an equalising goal one minute later and then secured the winning goal with just seconds, left on the clock. With the final whistle the Senior Flames had secured their first win in competitive hockey with a 9-8 victory and had also ensure a clean sweep for the home side in the Club Challenge Day.

Club Chairman, Les Satchell said “ The success of events like today’s Club Challenge Day are a credit to all those involved in Swindon Skater Hockey Club, from the coaches, managers and committee members to the players and their parents and without all their hard work we would be unable to host such events”. Les added  “The fact that we are able to field strong sides in all age groups is a measure of the success of our ongoing development programme which runs throughout the club from our beginners sessions right up to our newly formed Senior team.”

The club are now on their summer break and training resumes on Saturday 8^th September at the Croft Recreation Centre where all new players, regardless of experience or ability, are always welcome. For those that wish to give it a try for the first time, the club run beginners sessions from 12.00hrs – 13.00hrs on Saturdays and the club can also provide loan equipment for novices with the exception of skates – so please bring your own.

For further information please contact The Croft on 01793 526622