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Telford grab first points in Hull
11th Sep, 2007
WEEKEND ROUND-UP 10.9.07Telford youth ice hockey sides posted two terrific results to grab
points in Hull this weekend - a feat neither the players of the
under-14s or under-18s had managed before. However the under-10s were
unable to match the success at home, going down 7-2 to their own
Kingston counterparts.
Following the demise of the under-19s league, the new Telford
under-18s Trojans travelled to Kingston upon Hull for their first game
of the season, a fixture from which this group of players had never
before gained a point at any age range.
The team went into the game well prepared and maintained a positive
attitude as Kingston took an early lead. Two goals from captain Matt
Allen, assisted by Tim Burrows and Dan Taylor, enabled the away side
to take control by the end of the opening period.
The middle session saw a determined Kingston rattle the Telford team,
scoring three times. The Trojans hit back through Burrows and Taylor,
with assists going to Allen, Gareth Ellis and Stuart Rowlands.
The final period started badly for the Shropshire side, with a further
goal for Kingston, but man of the match Burrows levelled the score 5-5
with 14 minutes of fast and furious hockey left to play, both sides
wanting a win but also forced to defend their point.
Manager Kerry Allen said: 'The end result was something of a
disappointment because we felt we could well have won the game.
However, given the historical difference between these two teams I
would have snatched a point before the game, so this has to be seen as
a very encouraging start to our season.'
The Venom under-14s also made the trip north with little expectation
of a win going by previous form. Once again, Kingston took the early
honours, despite their goalie facing more rubber than Telford's James
Owen-Jones.
A powerplay goal from Matt Leach midway through the second period
brought Telford back into it, and Adam Taylor added two more to take a
3-1 lead into the final session. Owen-Jones shared the netminding with
Luke Rowlands, but neither was beaten again by the home side. A hat
trick goal for Taylor in the final minute wrapped up a dream 4-1
result for Telford.
The under-14s were less fortunate on Sunday, when they fell 7-0 to a
disciplined and impenetrable Sheffield defence. Luke Rowlands was
awarded man of the match.
The Venom under-10s went into their first home fixture against the
Kingston River Rats immediately on the back foot as the opening minute
was played in the Telford half. However Gareth Gower caught the
Kingston netminder off guard with a shot from the halfway line to take
a 1-0 lead.
A scramble in the crease gave the River Rats an equaliser, and with
their confidence boosted they went on to take a 3-1 lead into the
break.
Although Telford pushed hard, Kingston opened up a 7-1 lead in the
second period. Gower grabbed a consolation goal towards the end of the
match and spirit of the game went to Rhys Howells.
Manager Gordon Douglas said: 'They did themselves proud, giving 110%
against a very well organised Kingston team.'
The under-10s also enjoyed a cross-ice session at Sheffield on Sunday,
with two hours of coaching using the width of the ice rather than the
length to help the youngest players develop their skills.
This weekend sees the Venom under-10s at home to Sutton on Saturday
(3.15pm). The under-18s Trojans travel to Coventry next Saturday, and
the under-16s Rockets are away at Whitley Bay on Sunday. Telford ENL
play at home on Sunday (5.30pm), giving fans their first opportunity
to see the newly-formed team in league action.
Kerry Allen, Gordon Douglas, Caroline Garbett
