This weekend sees Whitley Warriors make the short journey down the A19 to Teesside to take on local rivals the Billingham Stars in a NIHL North Moralee Conference contest. Warriors expect to be at full strength for the game with Ross Hanlon coming back into the line up after missing the Solway game last weekend. Power forward Ryan Sample is also set to play his first Tyne-Tees derby for Warriors since he returned to action after a spell away from competitive hockey.
Warriors currently sit 3rd in the NIHL North standings with a total of 12 points from the 9 games they have played. Stars are a place above Whitley in the table as Billingham have acquired 2 points than Warriors this term though they have played a game more. Both sides are looking to challenge current Champions and league leaders the Solway Sharks for honours this season which makes Sunday evenings game between the 2 north east rivals one of the most important games of the NIHL North season so far.
Whitley club captain DJ Good gave us his opinion on this weekend’s contest.
“It’s a local derby so a massive game that could go either way. Both teams are coming back from a defeat last weekend and we are both also close in the league.
“It should be a firey and physical game which could sell out so it should be a great atmosphere.”
Warriors alternate captain Adam Reynolds also shared his view on the Stars Match up.
“It’s going to be a tough game as Stars are always good at home but we are a good team and are confident of taking the points in their barn.
“We need to put in a good performance after last week’s loss and disappointing performance so the boys have had a good weeks training and we are certainly ready for them.
“The main thing is to up our intensity levels for the full 60 minutes and make sure it’s not in fits and starts like it has been at times. We have the talent in our team we just need to play a perfect game every night.”
Following the Billingham away game this weekend Warriors have another top of the table clash as they travel to Dumfries for a fixture against the Solway Sharks on the 23