Telford Titans 5 : Solihull Barons 3
1st October 2011

Solihull Barons 4 : Sheffield Spartans 7
2nd October 2011
The Barons frantically defend their goal during a Spartans second period powerplay. Happier times in the first period as Rich Slater congratulates Phil Knight on the opening goal against the Spartans.
Tensions rise between Andy Ayers and Spartans Jon Woolhouse.
Barons Man of the Match for both Titans & Spartans games, Erik Bakalar
Spartans Man of the Match, Nicholas Manning
Man of the Match Awards sponsored by Jenny & Keith Davies
Read Coach Darren Bellerby's reaction to the game here


The School of Hard Knocks

Solihull Barons 4-7 Sheffield Spartans
Telford Titans 5-3 Solihull Barons

By Matt Johnson, Barons’ Press Officer

Solihull Barons were taught an uncompromising lesson in Division One hockey after surrendering commanding first period leads twice in the space of 24 hours.

After the impressive victory over Nottingham Lions, confidence was high in the Barons camp ahead of the weekend’s double header, and they started both games in electrifying fashion.

Darren Bellerby’s side held a 2-0 first period lead away at Telford Titans on Saturday and again lead 4-1 at home to Sheffield Spartans on Sunday before going on to relinquish both games 5-3 and 7-4 respectively.

Almost 300 spectators witnessed the second period collapse to Sheffield at Hobs Moat Road, but the game changed in one controversial moment. 

Referee Freeman’s decision to hand a match penalty to Barons captain Adam Andrews for roughing after this whistle, which was generous to the away side to say the least, cost Solihull dear.

The Spartans hit THREE goals from the resulting five minute powerplay to turn the game completely on its head.

 

 

Earlier strikes from Phil Knight, Erik Bakalar, Toni Scialdone and Andrews had put the Barons four goals in front, but Oliver Barron pulled one back for Sheffield just before period time – but then came the nightmare period.

As well as the three powerplay goals scored from Andrews’ penalty, the Spartans managed to add a further two strikes to complete a devastating turnaround and end the period 6-4 ahead.
The Barons battled back in the third, but Sheffield defended stoutly to close out the game and even managed to stretch their lead with a further powerplay goal in the final minutes to inflict a damaging defeat on Solihull.

Twenty four hours earlier, Telford were shell-shocked as the Barons went 2-0 ahead with goals from Rich Slater and Erik Bakalar. The Titans reacted in the second period to draw level at 2-2, but in a frenetic final period, the home side out scored Solihull three goals to one to secure a 5-3 victory.

Sheffield Game
Goals : Knight, Bakalar, Scialdone, Andrews
Assists : Bakalar (2), Hammerton, E. Slater

Telford Game
Goals : Bakalar, R Slater, TBA
Assists : TBA

 
Rob Perks sits in and around the Titans crease. Rich Slater scores ! A minor disagreement with the Titans
     
Original photography courtesy of Keith & Jenny Davies