Warriors 3 shot down by Comets
On Saturday 11th May 2024 our Warriors 3 team travelled to the Billingham Forum to take on the Cleveland Comets in a challenge game.
This was the first time our Warriors 3 team had travelled to Billingham Forum, having only faced the Comets on home ice previously. That was in November 2022 when the teams played out a 22-goal thriller, with the Comets coming out as 7-15 winners.
In team news, there was a large number of unavailable players - Michael Laidler, Lisa Speed, Luke Webber, Dean Cadman, Ash Davies, Kieran High, Simon Davis, Paul Eaglestone, Josh Moss, Lee Worsnup and Tomasz Molenda.
But despite that, the team were easily able to ice three lines.
Travelling players:
Rory Butcher (NM), Matt Dudley (C), Andis Jansons, Brendan Hullah, Connor Brocklebank, Craig Baker, Fran Humpries (A), Freddy Monk, Gary Clough, Heather McCarten, Ivans Lebedjoks, Jared Weldon, Jonjo Marshall, Josh Moss, Matty Meadows, Phil Bradley, Simon Bainbridge and Stella Giwisser.
Coaches Andy Giles and Niks Kamaldins were unavailable for the game, so Bench Coach duties were taken on by Rich Guttridge.
1st period
The Comets started the period quickly and opened the scoring after only 40 seconds. The Warriors battled valiantly throughout the period but succumbed to a second Comets goal after 8 minutes, giving the hosts an early two goal cushion.
With 13 minutes on the clock, a Comets player tried to cross-check Warriors’ Freddy Monk in the face whilst he was up against the boards. Fortunately, Monk was able to grab the Comets’ players stick and pull it down and avoided any injury. The incident resulted in the officials giving the Comets player game misconduct penalty and he was ejected from the game, whilst the hosts served a 5 minute penalty.
With the numerical advantage, the Warriors pushed to get on the board but unfortunately they could not make it count. But on the plus side, they did not concede any further goals and the period ended 2-0 Comets.
Comets 2 Warriors 0
2nd period
With only a two goal deficit, the Warriors were still in this game and they knew it. The team battled hard for an opening goal but couldn’t get on the board.
Unfortunately, the hosts were able to extend their lead with two quick goals in the 30th and 33rd minutes. The Comets had now doubled their lead to 4-0 and it was looking like an uphill task for the Warriors at this stage.
But despite this blow, the team continued to fight and did not concede any further goals going into the final interval.
Comets 4 Warriors 0
3rd period
With only 20 minutes left on the clock and a four goal deficit, the Warriors could have become demoralised and capitulated, allowing the Comets to run up the score, but they didn’t. They battled to get back in the game throughout the final period.
Unfortunately, the Comets extended their lead with another two quick goals in the final minutes of the game to finish the scoring.
Final score :
Comets 6 Warriors 0
This was a respectable score-line for the team, considering they had missing players, it was away from home and against an experienced team. Also, credit to the team for not allowing the score-line to run away from them and continuing to fight. A great learning experience.
Heather McCarten
Warriors’ player of the game
Jonjo Marshall
Captain’s player of the game
The Player of the Game for the Warriors, as selected by the Comets, went to Heather McCarten and the Warriors’ helmet went to Jonjo Marshall. Well played guys.
Thanks to Cleveland Comets for hosting!
The next game for the Warriors is against the Cyclones. Game details below:
