Solway Sharks Ladies 1 – 2 Billingham Wildcats
Sharks Goal: Murdoch (41)
Assists: Calvert & Fisher
After an extended break due to International fixtures and weather related postponements, Solway Sharks Ladies started the New Year with a rearranged match against Billingham Wildcats at Dumfries Ice Bowl on Sunday. A win for either side would take the victors to the top of the Division 1 North table, suggesting a close encounter was in store for Scotland’s only senior female ice hockey team.
Despite the journey across from Teesside it was the Wildcats who started the brightest, keeping possession well and testing the home side’s defensive prowess. Although they were outplayed for much of the opening period, the Sharks’ defence stayed strong. When Billingham did break through they were thwarted by the ever dependable Sarah Gibson (sponsored by William Kennedy Plumbers) in the Sharks’ net, who ensured the game stayed goalless at the first intermission.
Following a stern pep talk Solway came out flying at the start of the second period, but despite out-shooting their opponents they just could not find a way past opposing netminder Megan Quigley. Chance after chance went a-begging for the Sharks before Wildcats’ Joy Craighead opened the scoring against the run of play midway through the game. Some more impressive goaltending from Sharks’ Player of the Game Sarah Gibson kept Billingham at bay and the 2nd period ended with the away side 1-0 up.
Entering the final period the Sharks knew the game was still there for the taking and took the initiative early on as team captain Amanda Murdoch (sponsored by Cold Blooded Sports) celebrated her 5th goal in 4 games. The goal was assisted by birthday girl Lisa Calvert (sponsored by Kyle & Taylor Carruth) and Naomi Fisher (sponsored by Country Flowers) who registered her first offensive career point after spending much of last season as backup goalie.
“Ice Hockey is a game of momentum,” said Sharks coach Jamie Kerr, and the momentum was certainly with the home side as they once again out-shot their opponents but could not find another way past Billingham’s goaltender. With less than 10 minutes left on the clock, the Sharks were left to rue their missed chances as Wildcats’ Leanne Clark fired a long ranged effort past Gibson and into the Sharks net.
Billingham ended the game under intense pressure from the Sharks forwards but unfortunately for the home side the Wildcats defended resolutely and held on to their lead. After the game Billingham Captain Leanne Clark knew she’d had a tough game and complimented the Dumfries side’s “immense improvement” from last season.
Solway Sharks Ladies are on the road for their next two fixtures before they return to Dumfries Ice Bowl to face Telford on Saturday 20th February, Face-off 3.45pm. Entry is by donation.
For further information see www.solwaysharksladies.uk or follow Solway Sharks Ladies on Facebook or Twitter.
