ISLE OF WIGHT, UK – Wightlink Raiders Player-Coach Jeremy Cornish is refusing to get too carried away, as his side sit at the top of the English National League South.
A four point weekend courtesy of wins over Swindon and Romford propelled Cornish’s men to the league summit, with the win over the Raiders in Essex standing out as the most impressive. The two sides had met a week earlier on the Isle of Wight with Romford walking out of the Ryde Arena with two points in the bag following a 5-2 victory.
Good times on the Island
After the game, Romford Player-Coach Danny Marshall had told local press that his team were ‘not going to take any rubbish’ from the home side and focused on ‘getting the points rather than fighting’, which proved to be a sensible move.
However, revenge was sweet last weekend for Wightlink fans, as their team beat Romford in their own barn with a 3-1 road win. Cornish was quick to point out the contrasts between the two games between his and Marshall’s sides.
“I was happy with the win in Romford” said the big Canadian. “The previous week I don’t think we offered them any challenge, and nothing seemed to go our way all night. The whole team had an off night”
“To go to Romford and get two points is going to be hard for any team this year, but we stuck to our game plan, focused on playing hockey and we ended up outplaying them for most of the game”
Wightlink now sit level on points with Invicta Dynamos, with Streatham Redskins only one point behind. Considering the Raiders finished last season in sixth position, even at these early stages in the season, a good start is a good tonic for any team that aspires for honours.
Jason Gorrie settling well
“Being around the top of the league has been fun” admitted Cornish, who already has double figures in points this year. “But we have given away a few points this season that I wish we could have back. The team is really coming together and I just think it’s still way to early to guess what’s going to happen, I think when Chelmsford and Romford catch up game wise we will see a clearer picture”
“Both Streatham and Invicta have different make ups, Invicta is a skilled team and Streatham is a well coached hard working team. I would like to think our team has both a skilled and hard working mentality”
“It’s going to be tough to win the league with so many good teams in the league this year, but as I’ve said before we have long term goals on the island and just improving year after year is our main goal”
One of the keys to the Raiders potential success will be the form of Jason Gorrie. The Canadian forward hit a hat trick on Saturday against Swindon and is gradually finding his feet on the Island.
Cornish celebrates last year with Cooley
“Gorrie has settled in well and has been a pleasure to have around” said Cornish. “He is a very skilled player and has adjusted to life on the island really well. We have a good group in the team house this year and they are all contributing to the team”
Despite all the positive vibes emanating from the Island, there has been one piece of sad news in the form of the early retirement of long serving goalie Toby Cooley. This leaves the Raiders with only one experienced goalie in the shape of highly rated Matt Colclough, which is a risk for the Raiders.
“Toby has moved on” said Cornish. “But Matty has done an unbelievable job stepping up this year and has proven himself as one of the best starters in our league. He’s got a bright future ahead of himself and we are lucky to have him”
Wightlink face Bristol Pitbulls in back to back fixtures this weekend with the first encounter facing off at Ryde Arena on Saturday 30 October, followed by the return in Bristol on Sunday 31 October. See both clubs official websites for ticket details.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
Photos courtesy of Nicky Craft.
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