Oakbank Services sponsored Solway Sharks Juniors – Under 16s were on the road again last weekend, heading to Ayr this time, for some first-time Friday night hockey, fixtures normally taking place at weekends.
The youngsters arrived late at night after a busy week, but were undaunted by the late hour, and keen to get on with the game. Solway set out their stall early, and after dominating the play for the first 4 minutes it was Lewis Houston who opened the scoring, from a well-placed Megan Gourlay cross. 3 minutes later it was young Joe Little who found the back of the net, courtesy of big brother Jack. After Solway remaining in control and moving the puck well, in the final minute of the period Houston scored again, this time his signature unassisted move, to give Solway a 3-0 lead. Rebekah Scott, who had been fairly undisturbed in Solway’s net, made way for Joshua Leuvennink.
The second period saw the Sharks continue to dictate the direction of play, and show their scoring prowess past Christopher Davidson in the Ayr net. Aidan Nicol took only 3 minutes of the period to make his mark, assisted by Liam Stenton. Stenton found the net himself 3 minutes later, from Joe Little and Jack Slater. The rest of the period saw a virtual flurry of Solway goals – Gourlay from Houston and Andrew Robb, Joe Little from Andrew Craik and Stenton, Houston from Joe Little and Craik, Houston from Stenton, and in the final minute Houston unassisted. Phew! – end of the second, Solway 10, Ayr nil.
The third period opened with Solway firmly in charge, and coach Kerr took the opportunity to try new line combinations. This saw Stenton scoring an unassisted shorthanded goal 2 minutes in, before Nicol hit home a fine unassisted shorthanded goal of his own seconds later. Ayr clawed one back against the run of play, much to the delight of their team and the home support, but they could do little to stop the Solway advance. The Sharks were undisturbed, and continued to pile on the attacks, Matthew Watters and Scott Rae both coming close with some fine shooting on the Ayr net, only to be denied by Davidson. Jack Little scored on 38 minutes, from wee brother Joe, swiftly followed by Charles Leuvennink with a grand solo effort. The final goal of the game came from Stenton from a Gourlay pass, and saw Solway finish comfortable 15 -1 victors. Joe Little was man of the match for Solway.
Coach Jamie Kerr observed, “This was a comfortable victory for a team that is growing in confidence. Once we got a few goals ahead we put the onus on our younger guys to get extra ice time and show their progression – they all did that, having numerous shots and claiming plenty of goals. We have another long trip to Inverness this week, where we hope to keep this momentum and our winning streak going.”
Want to watch the fastest team sport in the world? Solway Sharks Juniors are playing at Dumfries Ice Bowl on Sunday 5th February. Under 20s take on league leaders Kirkcaldy at 10am, before the Under 12s take on rivals from North Ayrshire at 11.30am. Come along and show your support.
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