Matt Johnson, Barons' Press Officer reports :

Solihull Barons were given a rude awakening to life in the ENL Division One North by a powerful Trafford Metros side on the opening weekend of the new season.

Manchester Phoenix forward Ciaran Long was in representation for the Trafford side, and the EPL hot-shot inflicted much of the damage on Darren Bellerby’s side, scoring a hat-trick in the rout.

Barons gave themselves a chance when Andy Ayres netted early in the second to narrow the deficit to 2-1, but five Metro goals in the period ended any chance of a dream start to the campaign.

Barons started the game nervously and struggled to keep possession of the puck. Trafford sensed the unease of their hosts and seized the initiative by heaping pressure on Hayden Laverick’s goal – but the netminder stood firm in what turned out to be a fine game for the youngster.

The home side just couldn’t get going, and Trafford’s early dominance told when they took the lead in the 12th minute via Joe Greaves’ deflected effort.

The Metro’s continued to dominate as the Barons struggled to get to grips with the pace of the game and they doubled their advantage on 18 minutes when Long grabbed the first of his three goals, smashing the puck in off the pipe.

The second period started brightly and when Phil Knight sent Andy Ayres through one-on-one with the keeper, the Barons number 8 slotted home with aplomb.

But the comeback was short lived. Trafford reacted immediately to restore their two-goal advantage on 27 minutes through Long. Then the Barons fell apart.

Long completed his hat trick in the 32nd minute before Jamie Rogerson and a double from Max Drakeley struck to virtually end the game as a contest at 7-1 before the period was out.

With the pressure off in the final period, Barons began to play some of the hockey that made them Division Two Champions last season, and they managed to shut out the Metro’s attack in the process.

Captain Adam Andrews smashed home the only goal to seal a 1-0 period win, but it was all too little too late for Darren Bellerby’s side.

Man of the Match – Hayden Laverick
Goals – Ayres, Andrews
Assists – Knight, Lee
Penalty Minutes – Thomas (6), Buckland (6), Brindle (2), Perks (2), Winwood (2), Bakalar (2), Ayres (2), Stobart (2)