(Image permission: David Strover)
LANCASHIRE, UK – Sheffield Steeldogs saw off a determined challenge from Hull Pirates to secure the Moralee D1 title.
A 1-0 home victory over Hull gave Sheffield a one point lead heading into the reverse fixture, and Ben Morgan’s side completed the job with a hard fought 6-4 road victory.
Third-placed Telford Tigers enjoyed a four point weekend, winning 3-2 at Solway Sharks and 11-2 on home ice against Nottingham Lions.
Jordan Barnes (3) topped the scoring for Whitley in their 9-5 win at Deeside Dragons, but they failed to follow up at Billingham as the Stars recorded a 7-4 victory.
Blackburn Hawks won 6-4 at home to Billingham, but they completed a disappointing regular season campaign by blowing a three goal lead to lose 5-3 at Solihull Barons.
Sutton Sting claimed the Laidler D2 title, but they were made to sweat before securing top spot.
Sting lost 7-6 after a shoot-out at Telford Tigers 2 and they were pushed hard by Altrincham Aces on home ice before eventually sealing a 7-5 success.
Gowan Beddoes grabbed the decider in Hull Jets’ 3-2 overtime win at home to Altrincham, but they failed to follow up at Widnes as Wild eased to a 5-1 victory.
Coventry Blaze picked up four points, winning 2-1 after overtime at home to Blackburn Hawks 2 and 15-0 at Deeside Dragons 2.
Myles Dacres bagged the winner for Bradford Bulldogs as they recovered from 4-1 down to win 5-4 on home ice against Sheffield Senators.
PHN’s top two talking points
Title showdown a fitting end to the season
The weekend double-header between Sheffield Steeldogs and Hull Pirates was a fitting end to the regular season in D1.
Two bumper crowds witnessed two thrilling games with Sheffield eventually breaking Hull’s resistance to secure top spot.
Dmitri Zimozdra’s shut-out on Saturday provided the platform for the Steeldogs to get the job done and his contribution during the run-in should not be underestimated.
Sutton take Laidler crown, now for D1?
Sutton Sting deservedly claimed the D2 title over the weekend, sparking the usual “will they, won’t they” debate about whether they will request to stay in the same division next year.
Sting dropped into D2 when the league was restructured last summer, but they have secured top spot with two games to spare.
Player/Coach Simon Butterworth has assembled a talented squad with a nice balance of youth and experience who have earned the right to ply their trade in D1 – let’s hope it happens.
WEEKEND RESULTS
Moralee D1
Billingham Stars 7-4 Whitley Warriors
Blackburn Hawks 6-4 Billingham Stars
Deeside Dragons 5-9 Whitley Warriors
Hull Pirates 4-6 Sheffield Steeldogs
Sheffield Steeldogs 1-0 Hull Pirates
Solihull Barons 5-3 Blackburn Hawks
Solway Sharks 2-3 Telford Tigers
Telford Tigers 11-2 Nottingham Lions
Laidler D2
Bradford Bulldogs 5-4 Sheffield Senators
Coventry Blaze NIHL 2-1 Blackburn Hawks 2 (OT)
Deeside Dragons 2 0-15 Coventry Blaze NIHL
Hull Jets 3-2 Altrincham Aces (OT)
Sutton Sting 7-5 Altrincham Aces
Telford Tigers 2 7-6 Sutton Sting (SO)
Widnes Wild 5-1 Hull Jets
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