Whitley Warriors took on the NIHL North Champions the Solway Sharks on Saturday evening in the Scottish border town of Dumfries. Prior to the journey north three of Warriors players Paul Matthews, Rob Wilson and Adam Reynolds went along to club sponsor Foxhunters Tyres and Alloys to see their range of winter tyres.
Warriors took a strong roster of players with them across the border with only Adam Reynolds and Jordan Barnes missing from the squad as both players are out of action due to long term injuries. Solway started the game off well and took lead after just 90 seconds of play when Sharks captain Struan Tonnar fired past Warriors netminder Richie Lawson. Six minutes later Sharks doubled their lead when Richard Bentham found the back of the net.
Warriors out shot the Sharks in opening period of play however Simon Leach’s side could just not find a way past Sharks stand in netminder Craig Douglas who made several smart stops for the home side. Whitley began the middle session of play positively creating numerous scoring opportunities and Warriors grabbed their first goal of the game 2 minutes into the 2nd period through teenage forward Ben Richards.
Just 10 seconds later Warriors were able to equalise when Martin Crammond scored after some pleasing build up play from Alex Lawson and the lively Richards. Whitley continued to pressurise the Solway goal however it was Sharks who grabbed the games next goal against the run of play when Duncan Speirs fired the home side into the lead.
Solway took a 4-2 lead after 36 minutes of action when New Zealander Josh Hay scored his 3rd goal for the Sharks since his switch into the British game. Whitley continued to have the better of the play during the 3rd period however Solway netminder Craig Douglas was able to thwart all of Warriors attacks and Sharks grabbed the game’s final goal late on when blue liner Frazier Goldie fired home which saw Solway claim a 5-2 victory.
Solway’s man of the match went to Richard Bentham while Warriors talented forward Alex Lawson was adjudged to have been Whitley’s best player during the 60 minutes of action.
Warriors next match is on December 14th when local rivals the Billingham Stars visit Whitley Bay for a NIHL North encounter. This will be the first Tyne Tees derby of the 2014/15 season and fans are encouraged to come along and support Warriors in what is sure to be a superb game of passionate hockey.