Whitley Warriors are in NIHL North action this weekend when Simon Leach’s side head to Dumfries to take on the Solway Sharks. Warriors have been in fine form of late as Whitley have won their last 3 games in league action with 2 of those successes coming on the road.
Warriors are set to travel north with a strong roster of players with only long term absentees Adam Reynolds and Jordan Barnes likely to be missing from the squad. Whitley netminder Richie Lawson will be hoping to continue his recent vein of impressive form after shutting out the Sutton Sting last weekend. Warriors senior goaltender also has starred against the Solway Sharks recently as he pulled off a string of outstanding saves the in the St Andrews Cup tie that was played on Tyneside at the start of November.
Richie shared his thoughts on this weekend’s game, how the current season has gone to date and his own recent eye catching displays in goal.
“I’m really looking forward to the game against Solway this weekend, it couldn’t come at a better time for us. We are a team in form and I expect us to be challenging for the top spot this season.
“Solway are a strong team on their own ice and clinical on the powerplay. It goes without saying but we need to stay disciplined and take our scoring chances. However if we play the same game as the home fixture (against Sharks) I am confident we can come out on top.
“Regarding my own form, I can’t honestly put my finger on what is clicking. You ride peaks and troughs throughout your career its learning to stay grounded through the highs and lows which I’m trying to work on.
“Mark (Turnbull) is proving a good challenge for me this year. I know I have to play well to justify my position in the crease. I’m not ready to give it up and I aim to push on stronger than ever. A bit of healthy competition goes a long way.”
Warriors game against Sharks is this Saturday (Novmeber 29th, face off 7pm) and Whitley supporters are encouraged to head to Dumfries to take in what is sure to be a great game of hockey. Whitley’s next home game is on the 14th December when the Billingham Stars will take on the Warriors at Hillheads in Whitley Bay in what will be the first Tyne-Tees derby of the 2014/15 campaign.