WARWICK STUNNED BY STRONG NOTTINGHAM IN SEASON OPENER

10/10/07

Nottingham 9 @ 6 Warwick - 2pm

Warwick lost on the opening day of the new Midlands League season to a loaded Nottingham team, who controlled the game from the off and produced a dominant display. Despite a brief second half comeback Warwick were unable to surmount the 6-1 defecit they fell to in the the first quarter and a half.

Opening day fixtures always throw up suprises as teams are yet to be bedded in and often the nerves from the pre-season show through. This was no exception as it took Warwick a full quarter to settle and they dropped to a 4-1 defecit in the first quarter alone.

Superb on the day was goaltender Tom Riddlestone who had 13 saves (0.590) and kept Warwick in the game. His single digit performance continues his great from that he has shown in previous seasons and this was a massive positive for the team.

As the game developed the defences took over and tightened up with goals coming less frequently. It was James Aris (3,0) who lead Warwick's second half comeback with a stellar individual performace. Alex Twiss (1,0), Aaron Fox (1,1), Duncan Trenholme (1,0), were the other scorers with assists coming from Mike North (0,1), Delon Tang (0,1) and Seb Croft (0,1).

Nottingham controlled the game from the face-off x, with a well drilled unit dominating face-offs on the day, winning 13/19 of the face-offs. Seb Croft was Warwicks most successful man at the X with 4 from 9 (0.444), while Mike North was 2 from 9 ( 0.222) and Alex Twiss was 0 from 1 (0.000).

The second half performance showed much potential for the side, and with a little more output from the offense they will be in a much better position to compete. The defense, led by Jon Treacy, was solid, with great standout performances from "Liability" Ben and Dave "The Fridge".

Warwick next face Gloucester away on the 17/10/07, where they will look to scratch up the first W of the season.

Warwick 6 v 9 Nottingham

Goals:
Aris (3,0)
Fox (1,1)
Trenholme (1,0)
Twiss (1,0)
North (0,1)
Tang (0,1)
Croft (0,1)

Saves:
Riddlestone 13 (0.590)

Current Record: (0-1)