Rampant Lions pounce on struggling Barons

By Gareth Thomson

The Sheldon Jewellery Centre Solihull Barons had a night to forget after a difficult evening in Nottingham saw them on the wrong end of an 8-3 clawing by league leaders the Lions.

It all started so well. The snow of recent times had all gone, and the team coach complete with a strong contingent of Solihull supporters took the opportunity to stop off at Barons sponsors, The New Waterside for a spot of lunch before getting on the road. A second front of supporters headed off up the M42 by car, prepared to do battle in the Nottingham car parks with a large contingent of middle-aged women out to see Donny and Marie at the arena adjacent to the rink.

There wasn't much "Young Love" on show in this tough fixture and when the puck dropped the task faced by the Barons became apparent.

Within the first five minutes the Barons had picked up their first penalty of the evening, a charging call on Perry Doyle, the resulting powerplay being converted in the Lions first goal of the evening by ex-Solihull Kings player Joe Wightman.

By the middle of the period Wightman had completed his hat-trick leaving the Barons very much on the backfoot.

Dave Rogers helped to pull the Barons back into contention five minutes before the end of the period with his goal sending the sides to the dressing room 3-1 in favour of the Lions.

The second period is one the Barons might choose to leave off the highlight reel as the Lions quickly hit the back of the Solihull net with goals from Gareth O'Flaherty and Stuart Parker within five minutes of the restart.

A much more physical approach by the Barons resulted in penalties being racked up by Solihull with Jose Leon making the most of one of these chances to give the Lions a comfortable 6-1 lead by the end of the period.

The Barons started the final period with a bit of hope. A positive approach saw Perry Doyle clawing back a goal, followed by Solihull's third from Rich Slater. With 5 minutes to go it was all a little too late however and salt was further rubbed into the open wounds of the Barons with two late Lions goals from Luke O'Branin and Gareth O'Flaherty.

While the Barons continue to struggle to get much satisfaction on the road against their immediate competitors, home form in front of the Hobs Moat faithful always impresses.

Perry Doyle got the Barons second goal from close in

This Sunday the Barons will regroup confident of a strong performance as they welcome the Fylde Flyers to the Hobs Moat rink. As ever a large crowd is expected so please come down and join them. face-off 6pm.

Goals : Rogers, Doyle, R Slater
Man of the Match : Dave Rogers

Next Home Game Sunday 3rd February The Barons face the fast improving Fylde Flyers. Give the Boys your Support & make sure you're there ! Face-off : 6pm Adults £6 : Concessions £3 Family ticket £16 (2 adults and up to 3 children)