Whitley Warriors took on their local rivals the Billingham Stars on Sunday night on Tyneside in a NIHL North Division 1 encounter. Simon Leach was able to select an extremely strong squad of players as only Adam Reynolds and Jordan Barnes were ruled out of action due to long term injuries.
Richie Lawson started the game in goal for Warriors with Mark Turnbull acting as back up netminder. Whitley used 3 defensive and forward lines throughout the game as Coach Leach made the best use of his playing roster.
Both sides started the game passionately and after 4 minutes of play Warriors Rob Wilson and Stars Chris Sykes were sent to the sin bin for holding and roughing respectively. Both sides took further minor penalties in the opening period however neither side could take advantage of their powerplay opportunity .
Whitley almost took the lead 13 minutes into the game when the speedy winger Callum Watson fired just narrowly wide. Five minutes later Warriors grabbed the game’s opening goal when captain Jamie Tinsley found the back of the net after some impressive build up play from the lively youngster Callum Queenan and Callum Watson. There were no further goals in the middle session of play as both netminders (Richie Lawson of Warriors and James Flavell of Stars) produced several fine saves.
Whitley started the 3rd period positively and 2 minutes into the stanza DJ Good’s powerful shot cannoned into the post. Warriors were creating many offensive opportunities with teenage forward Queenan and Dean Holland both troubling the Stars defence on a regular basis.
Warriors blue liner Rob Wilson was sent to the penalty box with under 4 minutes left in the game by referee Wardell for a cross checking misdemeanour. Billingham made the most of their powerplay opportunity and James Moss fired home to tie the game up.
Warriors pressed forward looking for a game winning goal in the final minutes of the contest and came close through both Callum Watson and defenceman Daniel Pye. Whitley Coach Simon Leach called a time out to finalise his sides tactics in the final minute of action however there were no further goals and the game ended level at 1 goal each.
Warriors forward Harry Harley was chosen as the home team’s man of the match with Stars veteran winger Paul Windridge being chosen as Billingham’s top player during the contest.
Warriors Points
Jamie Tinsley 1+0, Callum Queenan and Callum Watson 0+1
Stars Points
James Moss 1+0, Ritchie Thornton and Paul Windridge 0+1
Penalties
Whitley – 6 minutes
Billingham – 6 minutes
Shots on Goal
On Warriors (Richie Lawson) – 48
On Stars (James Flavell) – 51
Referee – Wardell
Warriors next game is on this coming Sunday (21st December) when the league leaders the Blackburn Hawks visit Hillheads for the first time this season. The match gets underway at Warriors customary 5pm face off time with doors opening 30 minutes earlier admission is priced at £8 for adults and £6 for children with a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) available for £23.