Solihull Barons – Whitley Warriors

Recap

Zoo Accounting Solihull Barons : 3
Whitley Warriors : 5

The Zoo Accounting Solihull Barons put on a strong display on Sunday evening against league leaders the Whitley Warriors, but despite an early two goal lead, they could not hold out against the well organised and clinical Warriors.

The first period began with significant Warriors pressure in the Solihull end with the Barons opportunities largely coming on the break. With two minutes left on the period remaining, Filip Byfält, against the general run of play, put Solihull into the lead with a skillful and very tight angled shot from the left hand side of the goal line.

The second period began with an early Whitley penalty but the Warriors gave the Barons no chance to exploit this and largely penned them into their own end for most of the two minutes. Shortly after this, the Barons got their second goal however when Paul Stanley made the most of his speed and raced up the right wing before cutting in and slotting home beyond Joshua Crane in the Whitley Warriors net. With just over half the game gone, the Warriors got a goal back as Phillip Edgar skated in and slipped the puck beneath Solihull goalie Sam Hewitt for the visitors first goal. Solihull then picked up a penalty and Harry Harley of the Warriors was not slow in converting this into the visitor’s equaliser only a minute or so after the Whitley opener. With 6 minutes of the period remaining Whitley made the most of another man advantage situation and pulled ahead for the first time in the evening – Kyle Ross with the final touch. Two minutes later the Barons had their own powerplay and Filip Byfält brought things level once more. Again goals followed penalties as once again a Warriors power play was converted to put Whitley back in the lead again – Stevie Chalmers this time.

The Warriors extended their lead to two 7 minutes into the third as Ross Douglas picked up a loose puck in the Barons end for Whitleys fifth and the final goal of the game. Try as they might, the Barons could not close the deficit as the Warriors played economical and low risk hockey to close out the win.

Next up for the Barons are the Deeside Dragons at home on Sunday evening. The Dragons are returning this year having lost an additional season to covid measures. Their Flintshire rink is only now being returned to its original purpose having been taken over to support covid relief efforts and the Dragons have had to play much of the opening weeks of the season on the road. As might be expected, the Dragons have had mixed results so far but have a squad more than capable of causing an upset. Another entertaining tie looks to be on so look forward to seeing you at Hobs Moat on Sunday evening. #COYBARONS

Barons Man of the Match, Sam Hewitt

Warriors Man of the Match, Adam Finlinson