After three successive double headers, Solway Sharks have just a single game this weekend, with Billingham Stars coming to the Dumfries Ice Bowl on Saturday night (7pm face off).
The Sharks – sponsored by Building Craftsmen Dumfries – saw their five match winning run ended last weekend, falling to a home defeat against Sheffield before a narrow road loss on Teesside to Saturday’s opponents Billingham.
Last Saturday a lacklustre middle period saw Sheffield score three times without reply to take a 4-1 lead before running out 5-1 winners in the end. Solway had started brightly, taking 16 shots on net in the first period alone. The Sharks finally found a way past Brandon Stones 67 seconds from the end of the first period – Marc Fowley getting the final touch from Juraj Senko’s assist for the lead.
Sadly the advantage held for only 38 seconds as Sheffield levelled at 19.31 through Maros Stefanco after a turnover in the Sharks defensive zone. The teams went to the dressing room tied at 1-1.
Sheffield took the lead at 21.23 as Nick Manning fired past Kieran Hobbins in the Sharks net, before visiting captain Oli Barron made it 3-1 before the half hour. Barron then assisted on the Sheffield fourth goal at 34.34 scored by Stuart Brittle and the visitors were in firm control.
An improved final frame from Solway saw them with another 13 shots on target but they couldn’t find a way past Stones and the visitors added a fifth marker from the stick of Shaun Wild on the powerplay (51.36). Brandon Stones was named Sheffield’s man of the match with 43 saves from 44 shots faced, Juraj Senko picked up the award for Solway Sharks.
Less than twenty four hours later, the Sharks made the trip to Teesside and a clash with Billingham Stars.
Billingham opened their account early with a James Moss goal at 3.31 and the Sharks struggled to get a foothold in the game. Solway did find their form in the 16th minute as Stevie Adams continued his recent goalscoring spree with the equaliser, with helpers from Steven Balmer and Marc Fowley.
The Stars’ response was rapid with a go-ahead marker from Michael Elder (15.44) followed by the same player again at 17.54 for a 3-1 lead at the first interval.
Whatever was said in the Sharks dressing room paid dividends as the Solway side dominated the middle frame, outshooting Billingham 12-6, getting back into the game and halving the arrears with Michael Corbett’s goal at 24.37 making it 3-2 after 40 minutes.
Sharks continued to enjoy the better of the play at the start of period three, and deservedly tied the game at 44.52 through Ross Murray. The two sides, who have served up several top drawer encounters over the past few seasons, went back and forth as the sides played out another classic.
Just over ten minutes from time the home side struck the crucial blow as Stars Swedish forward Dennis Bostrom found space and time to net the eventual game-winner at 48.54. James Moss put the icing on the result for Billingham with an unassited fifth goal at 57.39 to finish the scoring.
There was still time for Stars Jack Davies and Sharks Ross Murray to drop the gloves and go toe-to-toe after a skirmish round the Billingham net. Both men received double minor penalties for roughing after an entertaining, bruising bout.
So the Sharks have nothing to show from the two weekend games after a previous run of five straight League wins. Head Coach Martin Grubb said: “Saturday was a disappointing performance, we went back to how we were playing earlier in the year. Sheffield outworked us and deserved their win.
“On Sunday after a slow start we dominated the second period and the first ten minutes of the third and we showed great character to come back and tie the game. Billingham edged the decision in the end but there were a lot of positives to take out of the Sunday game.
“We need to continue that approach and mentality this weekend in our Cup game with Billingham. The game will no doubt be another open encounter with both sides playing a good, entertaining brand of hockey. It’s important to get back to winning ways and look to put another run toghether.
“The League this year is very competitive and there are several teams battling to make the Final Four playoff weekend – if any side can put a consistent run of wins together they can move up the table in quick time. Likewise if you lose a few games you can be out of the picture before too long.”
Saturday’s NIHL Cup game versus Billingham Stars is at Dumfries Ice Bowl at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm with tickets on sale from reception priced £8 adults, £5 concession, £16 family (2+3). Season tickets are not valid for this game.
* On Saturday Sharks’ defenceman Jamie Scott suffered a multiple fracture of his collarbone and may miss the rest of the season. Everyone wishes him well for a full and speedy recovery.
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