BASINGSTOKE, UK – The Bison had a great start to the season picking up three points from their opening weekend of EPL action.
For the first time in six years, the Herd enjoyed a victorious beginning to the campaign with a 4-2 success over their visiting local rivals Bracknell Bees.
The home side got a dream start as Slovak forward Marek Dubec scored after 31 seconds.
It was the club’s fastest opening goal to a season since 1988 when Don Yewchin netted in 27 seconds against the Solihull Knights, a game Basingstoke went on to win 9-5.
British defensman Daniel Harris looked to have doubled their advantage, but the goal was washed out on harsh net off the moorings call.
The Bees then equalised as Martin Masa finished off a move involving linemates Rob Lamey and Matt Foord.
The second session saw Lamey score on a powerplay, but within a minute Joe Miller levelled it 2-2.
The final period saw the Bison pile on the pressure which was finally rewarded as Jacob Heron got what was the game winner at 49:16
The Bees chances of the pulling their goalie were dashed in the final two minutes as former Herdman Carl Graham took a tripping penalty.
Basingstoke made sure of the win as Czech forward Daniel Volrab netted 34 seconds from time.
“It was a game full of a lot of offence and I am pleased we started the season with a win,” said Bison player/coach Steve Moria.
The following night, the Bison headed north to face the reigning league champions and for the second night running the Herd opened the scoring as Heron made it two goals in as many games.
The home side hit back as Phoenix’s summer signing from Edinburgh Martin Cingel scored.
However, former Manchester player Joe Miller then Dubec again showing his lethal finishing with a shorthanded marker to make it 3-1 at the first buzzer.
Once again the Phoenix rose as Stephen Wallace scored twice to tie the game going into the final period.
Millers’ second made it 4-3 to the Herd, but Cingel netted his second equalizer of the night which forced the game into overtime.
That was only 42 seconds old when the Bison lost in the most cruelest way.
Moria faced off against Tony Hand and he won the draw, but pulled the puck so fast it flew past Matt Colclough, which was disappointing way for the British goalie who picked up man-of-the-match award.
“The OT winner was a one in a million in goal and a disappointing way to lose a game. We played well in the first and final period and three points from the first weekend is a great way to start the season,” said Moria.
This weekend, the Bison testing start to the campaign continues as early leaders Sheffield Steeldogs are in town and like the Bees they are a much improved side.
Then on Sunday, the Herd make the short journey to Bracknell and despite winning last weekend, it will be a tough in the Hive, but the Bison would love an early season double.
Contact the author Graham.Merry@Prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.