Arran Strawson gets a shot on goal. Picture by Robin Crossley.
PICTURE GALLERY
ICE HOCKEYAFTER a great win over Streatham Redskins last Saturday, Wightlink Raiders suffered a shock defeat at Slough Jets.
The side enjoyed a 6-2 victory at home to keep up their chase with the title challengers, Chelmsford Chief-tains and Romford Raiders.
But by losing 3-2 at Slough — who have only picked up nine points all season — Raiders have been left off the pace.
On Saturday, Raiders took time to settle but took the lead in the 12th minute through Arran Strawson before doubling their advantage four minutes later through Dominic Hopkins.
Though Streatham got a goal back before the break, Raiders restored their two-goal cushion on the half-hour mark when Hopkins netted his second of the night.
Two goals in the space of 18 seconds, the first from Joe Rand and the second from player-coach Jeremy Cornish, put real space between the sides.
And even through Streatham netted two minutes into the final session, Nathan Taylor cancelled out their effort to take the points.
Taylor’s goal, at 46.52, was not the last of the action however, as, with just four minutes left, tempers boiled over.
Streatham’s import Jerry Pavlus appeared to use his stick against Cornish’s face, causing Cornish to react and drop his gloves to fight.
Pavlus decided instead to skate away as fast as he could before launching himself into the Streatham bench.
The fisticuffs which ensued earned Cornish a match penalty, which meant he was banned from playing the Slough game on Sunday.
This seemed to cost Raiders’ dear as, by the end of the second period, Slough held a narrow 3-1 lead, Rand the Raiders’ scorer.
And although Raiders dramatically outshot their opponents, and Daniel Pye scored with five minutes left, they were unable to find an equaliser, and Slough earned only their fourth win of the season.
Tomorrow (Saturday), Raiders travel to Bracknell Hornets as they attempt to claw back some of the 12 points they need to catch the top two teams.
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk
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