Image permission: PSD-Images
LANCASHIRE, UK – Deeside Dragons’ player/coach Scott McKenzie has urged his team to build on last week’s impressive victory over Solihull Barons.
The Dragons started the Moralee D1 season with two heavy defeats, but bounced back against Solihull to record a hard-fought 4-3 win.
Whitley Warriors are the visitors to North Wales on Sunday and McKenzie wants his players to produce a repeat performance.
“It was a great win for us last week – it shows the character of the team when they can go from two heavy defeats to beating a strong Solihull team, especially with them beating ex-EPL side Hull Pirates the night before,” he said.
“But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. It was only two points and we just need to build from it. Our intensity at practice has been good, thus making our compete level greater.
“Whitley have improved during the summer. They have strength in depth and have some dangerous players on their team. I feel like we have more than enough to compete with them and we are hoping to get a little bit of a win streak going, especially at The Den.”
Sheffield Steeldogs face Blackburn Hawks on Sunday hoping to kick-off their home fixtures with a victory.
The Steeldogs lost after overtime at Telford Tigers on the opening weekend of the season, before bouncing back to win at Solihull.
Player/Coach Ben Morgan expects the Hawks to be tough opponents.
“Blackburn are a hard-hitting, gritty side – I think they will try to capitalise on powerplays and force mistakes,” said Morgan.
“I think we have enough depth across our three lines to shut down their main threats and capitalise on possession.
“Their strength lies in their defence – they’ve brought in some real experienced players from the EPL and shored it up at the back and they complement the players they already had from last year’s squad.
“Blackburn’s game plan will probably be to keep the score nice and low. It should be another good, tough game.”
Telford Tigers 2 travel to Hull Jets on Saturday before hosting Sheffield Senators the following day aiming to prove they have what it takes to stay amongst the front-runners in Laidler D2 this season.
The Tigers have won twice on home ice, but two defeats on the road means it’s been an inconsistent start to the campaign for the Shropshire side. Player/Coach Callum Bowley believes this team will improve as the season progresses.
“We’ve had a lot of new guys join the roster for this season and we haven’t had that much time together yet, but I’m happy with how the new guys are adapting to the style of play,” he said.
“The lines are starting to gel, everyone is working hard and enjoying it which for me is important. I’m feeling positive about the season and the progress we can make.
“I’m expecting a tough game at home against the Senators. They’ve shown their ability in taking Altrincham to overtime and we’ll need to be ready for the challenge.
“We have a full roster, we’re getting stronger and we are ready to go – we’ll be looking to take the win and collect the two points on offer.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Blackburn Hawks v Hull Pirates
Sunday
Deeside Dragons v Whitley Warriors
Nottingham Lions v Solway Sharks
Sheffield Steeldogs v Blackburn Hawks
Solihull Barons v Telford Tigers
Laidler D2
Saturday
Coventry Blaze NIHL v Bradford Bulldogs
Hull Jets v Telford Tigers 2
Sheffield Senators v Blackburn Hawks 2
Sunday
Blackburn Hawks 2 v Deeside Dragons 2
Telford Tigers 2 v Sheffield Senators
Widnes Wild v Sutton Sting
NIHL National Cup
Saturday
Basingstoke Bison v Telford Tigers
Solway Sharks v Billingham Stars
Sunday
Hull Pirates v Peterborough Phantoms
You must be logged in to post a comment.