WARWICK FAIL TO HIT BRUM HARD ENOUGH

01/03/08

Warwick Men's 8 @ 10 Birmingham Bulls

Warwick entered this fixture knowing that only a win in this game would do. Unfortunatley they were unable to pull the win off, but played well in a game which they lost in the final quarter to some sharp Birmingham shooting.

After jumping to a 3-1 lead after the first quarter Warwick were in a strong position. Toby Dodson (1,0) opened the day with a nice inside finish off an assist from Duncan Trenholme (1,2). Trenholme scored a nice inside goal after faking the keeper stick side and finishing off-stick, James Aris (0,1) had the assist off a nice transition play from midfield. Seb Croft (2,0) scored the third with an unassisted goal dodging from up top.

The second quarter saw only one goal from Mike North (3,1) who buried an outside shot on a man-up play. Mike North was superb on the day leading the offense, and looks to have regained some of his early season form. Birmingham rallied bringing the game back to an even contest. Tom Riddlestone (8 saves (0.444)), suffering from slight concussion, was beaten by tight angled shots from the Birmingham shooters, as the defence were not on their usual superb form with the slide packages looking confused. The defense were not helped by the absence of South Development star Jon Treacy who was unavailable for academic reasons.

Seb Croft fought valiantly at the face-off x but lacking his usual wingman (Alex Twiss) who was out injured he struggled, winning only 7 of 20 (0.350). This contributed to Warwick having limited possessions in the second half as Birmingham (as Loughborough had done so well the week before) slowed the tempo on offense and limiting Warwick's run and gun style of play that has been so successful all season. Seb Croft scored another unassisted goal, before Aaron Fox (1,0) buried an inside shot off a screen play with Mike North assisting.

As Birmingham looked to pull away Mike North again kept Warwick in the hunt with a goal of a Duncan Trenholme assist. With a few minutes left in the game Warwick through everything at Birmingham trailing by two, but were unable to capitalise on their man-up opportunities. After a break for an injury to Ben Sthothard on defence, Birmingham closed the game out 10-8.

Warwick will rue their poor shooting, having by far the most shots on the day, and where they capitalised on numerous man-up opportunities in their 19-5 dismantaling of Brum earlier in the season today they striggled burying their outside chances.

Bulls 10 v 8 Warwick

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

Saves:
Riddlestone 8 (0.444)

Current Record: (9-4-1)