BLACKBURN HAWKS 6 - 5 WHITLEY BAY WARRIORS
by Steve Mayers

The biggest crowd of the season at the Arena witnessed , without doubt, the game of the season, as the Hawks won an 11 goal thriller. It was a pulsating encounter from the first face off to the last, with the lead changing hands several times.

The first period got off to the worst possible start, as the visitors went ahead in only the third minute. However, this was only a temporary setback for the home team, and they were level within a minute. Rick Hughes picked up a loose puck on the opposing blue line, cut inside, and fired a pin-point shot into the top corner. 60 seconds later, the Hawks went ahead, as good pressure from the forwards saw Matt Viney open in front of goal. His initial shot was saved by Flavell in the Whitley goal, but the rebound gave him a second opportunity, and he made no mistake, slipping the puck between the keeper's pads. The home side were then given two penalties, but resolute and disciplined defending denied the visiting forwards any goal-scoring opportunities. Both keepers, especially Danny Brittle in the Blackburn net, were worked regularly throughout the period, but each one stood firm. As the last few seconds ticked down, Ollie Lomax 'dumped' the puck into the
opposing zone, and as he followed it in to retrieve it, was involved in an attempted 'spearing' by a Warriors defenceman. He took exception to this, squaring up to his opponent, and although he was giving away several inches, went 'toe-to-toe' with him. The crowd were on their feet, and roared their approval as he took his place in the penalty box.

The second period got off to a similarly electrifying start, with the Hawks scoring a fantastic 'team goal'. Hughes was once again at the centre of things, picking the puck up on the red line. He traded passes with Rick Bentham and then picked out Aaron Davies, who finished in fine style. Three goals in three minutes for the visitors saw the game turned on it's head, and the Blackburn coach needed a time-out, to re-organise a shaky defence. Although there was lots of endeavour from both teams, neither was able to find the net, and Whitley went into the final 20 minutes leading 4-3.

The third period was set up for a tense finish, and both groups of fans gave great vocal encouragement to their heroes. This served to inspire the Hawks, and they drew level with 8 minutes remaining, Davies registering, after good work by Viney. The volume was turned up even further as the home side sought a go-ahead goal, but a missed offside call saw the Warriors take the lead once again. With barely five minutes remaining, Blackburn were awarded a power-play, and although they worked several goal-scoring opportunities, were unable to take any. With the clock ticking down, a goalmouth scramble saw the puck once again fall to Viney, who slid it beyond the despairing keeper, to once again tie the game. A minute later, and the deadly combination of Bentham and David Miekle worked superbly around the net, with Bentham slotting the game-winning goal. This was greeted by deafening roars from the home fans, who then took great delight in counting down the
final few seconds, before lifting the roof as the final hooter sounded. Both sets of supporters gave the teams a standing ovation off the ice, having watched one of the most enthralling matches at the Arena for many years.  

MVP was awarded to the 'ever-industrious' Aaron Davies.