WARWICK DEFENCE TAKE THE FIGHT TO NOTTINGHAM AND COME AWAY WITH WELL EARNED DRAW

06/02/08

Warwick Men's 8 @ 8 Nottingham

Playing their fourth game in a punishing 15 day period Warwick travelled to Nottigham to contest a game that saw top of the league Warwick take on second place Nottingham. In the previous encounter which had kicked of the 07/08 season Nottigham had taken Warwick down 9-6 in a game that Warwick struggled to compete in.

This time there would be a different story. After dropping the first score of the game goals from Alex Twiss (1,0) and James Aris (3,0) opened up the scoring for Warwick to lead the first quarter 2-1. Both goals were assisted by Duncan Trenholme (1,3).

In the second quarter Warwick held Nottingham scoreless. This was a testament to the strength of the defence, who with Tom Hamill contributing as a 4th pole were efficient on their slides, and followed a well structered slide package to shut down the Nottigham offence. Tom Riddlestone had another standout performance in goal, saving 19 on the day (0.704) to continue to show why he is one of the best University keepers. James Aris scored going offstick hip on the Nottingham keeper after Jon Treacy had cleared the ball single handedly and assisted Aris on the fast break. Toby Dodson (2,0) added to the Warwick lead on a man-up play that saw Aaron Fox (0,2) feed a bullet pass to crease.

At the half Warwick were 4-1 in the good, after a tight first two quarters that were dominated by defence. The Nottingham defence was tight and confident at playing the offensive players and stripping the ball, and Warwick were unable to get many second chance opportunities after Nottingham efficiently recycled any turnovers. Both teams cleared well, although Warwick were able to turn the ball over a few times when the long poles and keeper attempted to run the clear themselves.

The second half was a different story with Nottingham adding a few experienced players to their offensive line-up. The Nottigham comeback started early in the third quarter, with a few isolation plays and some sharp outside shooting that Tom Riddlestone was unable to see since the ball was shielded. Despite this Toby Dodson again stepped up to keep the Warwick score ticking over, again off a great feed from Aarond Fox. With two poles attempting to strip him he managed to shoot low and past the Nottngham keeper. With the score at 5-5 Seb Croft won a crucial face-off and a text book fast break saw Duncan Trenholme feed James Aris who shot top right to keep Warwick ahead at the end of the third 6-5.

The face-off unit again performed incredibly well. Seb Croft was 13 for 19 (0.684) on face-offs against tough opposition that saw him get pretty beat up at the X. Alex Twiss and Mike North on scoop and bosh as wingmen were integral to this success.

In the fourth quarter Nottingham tied the game at 6 before Duncan Trenholme dodged and ripped a shot high to again poke Warwick ahead. This lead was not to last long as Nottingham again equalised after running the length of the field and converting on a fast break opportunity. By now both defences were tired and there were more opportunities, although Warwick were denied by the post, and after dodging from X Duncs Trenholme shot straight into the keepers stick 1-on-1. It was Seb Croft who stepped up with 2 minutes remaining on the clock to score from outside, beating the keeper down low after a dodge to the inside. After winning the resulting face-off Warwick tried to close out the game by killing the clock but with 45 seconds remaing Nottingham forced a turnover and scored the final goal of the game after beating Tom Riddlestone to a bottom corner.

With the score tied at 8 Warwick knew the final face-off with 30 seconds remaining was key. If Nottigham won they would have a great opportunity to stage the complete comeback and win the game. However once again Seb Croft dug deep, and ground out possession, and despite an incomplete pass it was enough to kill off the game and ensure Warwick got the draw that keeps them in the hunt for the SEMLA Midlands league title.

Warwick 8 v 8 Nottingham

Goals:
Trenholme (1,3)
Aris (3,0)
Dodson (2,0)
Fox (0,2)
Croft (1,0)
Twiss (1,0)
Treacy (0,1)
North (0,1)

Saves:
Riddlestone 19 (0.704)

Current Record: (8-2-1)