(Image permission: Keith & Jenny Davies)
LANCASHIRE, UK – Solihull Barons host Whitley Warriors on Sunday hoping to continue their upturn in form in Moralee D1.
The Barons have recovered from a poor start to the season with five wins in their last six games.
That run included an impressive 2-1 victory at Blackburn Hawks last weekend and netminder Daniel Brittle is keen to maintain their recent form.
“We are just back to where we should be,” said Brittle. “We are not necessarily playing a lot better than we were at the start of the season, but we are just being more clinical.
“We were in a lot of close games earlier in the season, but just lacked the clinical edge to see them through. We were lucky though – the team stuck together and didn’t get demoralised.
“We knew and showed we could compete with some good teams and just had to be that bit more focused to make the move up the table. The Blackburn game showed that.
“We just want to keep the momentum going forward. There is a good atmosphere – we are lucky to have lots of options, no injuries and all the guys want to be on the ice.
“There is a really good spirit and the players will do what is needed for the team.”
Bradford Bulldogs aim to spring a big surprise when they face Laidler D2 leaders Altrincham Aces on Saturday.
The much-improved Bulldogs are currently fifth in the table and forward Mark Higson believes the team are capable of securing a top four spot this term.
“We have high hopes of a run at a play-off position, which is a fantastic considering the position the club was in a few years ago,” he said.
“We had a great season last year, running teams close and giving ourselves a foundation to build on for this season.
“With our coach adding more junior and senior players this summer, that has given us depth over three lines. Having to compete for your spot has forced us all to battle more, not only in the game but in training too.
“This weekend we face top of the tables Altrincham, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to roll over in our own barn – we’ll still be looking for two points. The pressure is on though after our narrow 5-4 loss to Hull this weekend just gone.
“Silly penalties at crucial points in the game against Hull cost us dearly, something we can’t replicate against Altrincham.
“It’s been great to see supporters of the club on social media and at home and away rinks giving the lads support – it’s massively appreciated from the boys.”
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Billingham Stars v Hull Pirates
Solway Sharks v Sheffield Steeldogs
Whitley Warriors v Nottingham Lions
Sunday
Blackburn Hawks v Sheffield Steeldogs
Deeside Dragons v Billingham Stars
Nottingham Lions v Solway Sharks
Solihull Barons v Whitley Warriors
Laidler D2
Saturday
Blackburn Hawks 2 v Widnes Wild
Bradford Bulldogs v Altrincham Aces
Coventry Blaze NIHL v Telford Tigers 2
Sheffield Senators v Hull Jets
Sunday
Widnes Wild v Sutton Sting
NIHL National Cup
Saturday
Bracknell Bees v Telford Tigers
Sunday
Hull Pirates v Peterborough Phantoms
Telford Tigers v Bracknell Bees
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