South Woodham Ferrers map
It summed up a frustrating yet strangely entertaining evening of Redskins hockey. Taking on a Chelmsford side at the Riverside I had expected a reasonably close game but alas we were comfortably defeated 12-3. It would be easy to dismiss the game as a boring one sided affair but it was actually entertaining in parts. Its not often you see a back up goalie charge on to the ice at the end of the period and try to fight the opposition goalie nor is it that common to see a player tee up the back of another players legs and swing a golf shot right in front of the referee. Just to add to the fun, how about a player throwing their stick like a spear at a forward going down one on one with the goalie and then to top it all, the first ten minute power play I have ever seen. Yes it was eventful down at the Riverside and that’s without considering the constant drumming and Indian noises from the boisterous nearby Redskins fans pounding my ears.
Saturday had seen two one sided contests that are now becoming common place across the league. First to get a pumping were the Peterborough Islanders who lost 11-0 to Wightlink Raiders. Wightlink won’t be happy though, as influential defence man Dan Scott picked up a suspension that could mean he misses next weeks game against Invicta. That’s a real shame not least because I had him down for one of the lead roles in my predicted riot when the two sides meet. Definitely good news for the Dynamos as if they need it.
Second to get a pasting were the not so happy travellers MK Thunder who were beaten comfortably 12-2 in Cardiff. That pesky bridge toll again, leaving the Buckinghamshire side short of guys?
Sunday threw up few surprises other than at Oxford where Haringey’s Dave Richards apparently floored the normally solid Paul Gore with a single punch – depending on your source. It mattered little though as the Stars cruised to a comfortable 5-2 victory with Rusic getting a brace. The biggest cheer of the night for the home fans came at the end when both teams were involved in a brawl courtesy of Richard’s actions. Rarely a physical side, the Stars were lucky to come away from the game without any suspensions. Richards wasn’t so lucky and the Greyhounds will be without him for the next couple of games.
Dave Richards (Photo courtesy of the Haringey Greyhounds)
The Invicta juggernaut convincingly rolled over what should be more challenging opponents in the shape of Bracknell. The Hornets soundly beaten 5-1 with Invicta’s Peter Vaisenan notching 2+2 and also getting involved in a tussle with
MK Thunder finished off the weekend in the same way they started it but this time the score line was 10-0 to Cardiff. Good road win for the Welsh side and most likely a very enjoyable bus ride home but worrying times for the Thunder.
Whilst it was obvious that Chelmsford, Wightlink, Cardiff and Invicta would be good I certainly didn’t think the score lines would be so one sided against the weaker teams. Defeats by double figures help nobody and in some cases it seems difficult to believe the margins of victory when you look at the names on both team sheets.
I was impressed with the Chieftains organisation and positional play but I am not sure they have the real cutting edge quality to beat the Dynamos over the season. Time will tell of course and next weekends fixtures promise to be the most exciting so far in the ENL.
Thanks for reading and stay safe.
Carrsy
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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