NIHL North round-up – week 13

BLACKBURN, UK – Solway Sharks have opened up a three point lead at the top of NIHL1 North after a narrow win at home to Telford Titans. Nathan Salem gave Sharks an early lead, but Chris Jones tied things up midway through the first. Sharks regained the lead through Adam Reynolds after 36 minutes, before Mark Gallagher made it 3-1 early in the final period. Jones grabbed a late second for the visitors but Sharks comfortably ran down the clock to seal the win.

Blackburn Hawks are up to third in the table after a four point weekend. Ivo Dimitrijevs scored five as Hawks won 8-0 at home to Whitley Warriors, and they followed up with a 10-5 victory at Sutton Sting – Aaron Davies (2), Chris Arnone (2) and Matt Viney (2) were amongst the goals. Sheffield Spartans eased their relegation worries with a 9-2 win at home to Coventry Blaze – Will Barron hit a hat-trick.
Billingham Stars reached the final of the Trans-Pennine East/West Trophy after beating Sutton 6-1 – James Moss scored two – and Whitley 5-2. Their likely opponents in the final are Solway after they maintained their unbeaten group record with a 9-2 win at Deeside Dragons – Stevie Moore (3), James Wallace (2) and Salem (2) led the scoring.
NIHL2 North leaders Nottingham Lions lost for the first time this season with a 5-3 defeat at Hull. James Maughan gave Stingrays an early lead, before second period goals by Jack Dalby and Chris Hogarth put the home team firmly in control. Joe Wightman and Ollie Betteridge brought Lions back into it and the visitors looked to have secured the comeback when Luke Branin tied things up seven minutes from time. However, late goals from Hogarth and Maughan secured the points for Hull.
Sheffield Senators are second in after a 7-0 success at home to Blackburn Eagles, while Solihull Barons came from behind to win 8-5 at Fylde Flyers – Joe Henry (3) & Jake Larkin (2) were amongst the Barons’ goalscorers.
Next weekend sees Solway host Whitley, while Telford face a weekend double header against Trafford Metros.
Contact the author at: Michael.Black@prohockeynews.com