Phoenix Under-16s confirmed in promotion playoffs

Tuesday, 24th April 2007

The Manchester Phoenix Under-16 team have been confirmed as qualified for the post-season promotion playoffs with one more regular season game still to play.

The U-16s recent run of six straight wins has sky-rocketed them into second place in the division, tied with Billingham after the Bombers could only manage a 1-1 draw with Nottingham in their final game of the season last Sunday.

With the teams tied, even if the Phoenix were to lose their remaining home game this coming Sunday (face-off at 4.40pm) against Sheffield, they take the promotion playoff place over Billingham on account of their better record between the two teams.

A Phoenix spokesperson enthused, "this is a tremendous achievement for the squad when you consider that the first game of the season saw them lose 19-0 to Newcastle - they have come a long, long way since that September night. A win on Sunday over Sheffield would put the team clear in second and the irony of reaching the playoffs is the opposition later in May will be Newcastle. We have still to clarify the dates for this two-legged tie, but our boys will be ready to avenge that opening day defeat."

Ahead of Sunday's clash with Sheffield, the Phoenix Under-16s play a Trans-Atlantic exhibition match on Saturday at the Altrincham Ice Dome against a team from Bradford Ontario in Canada, face-off at 6.30pm.

The team to give them their full title - Tina Sibbald - Royal Lepage Minor Midget team from Bradford West Gwillimbury, OMHA - are visiting Britain for an international tournament and having helped the Phoenix when they toured Canada in February, this exhibition match is the Phoenix way of expressing their gratitude to their Canadian friends.

The Phoenix are delighted to advise that The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Trafford, Councillor Vivienne Ward will be attending the game together with Club Managing Director Neil Morris.

Phoenix Under-16s confirmed in promotion playoffs

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