Phoenix U-18s maintain 100% start

Monday, 15th October 2007

Sponsored by David McLean Nikal

Phoenix U-18s 7 - 4 Billingham

Manchester Phoenix Under-18s maintained their 100% winning start to the season with arguably their most impressive win yet, over a tough Billingham outfit.

Full of confidence, Phoenix needed just 36 seconds open their account as John Murray scored assisted by Jake Nurse. Phoenix dominated the play and scored a terrific second shorthanded when Murray broke free before hammering a slapshot from just inside the blue line in the 7th minute. Nurse was next on the scoresheet in the 9th minutes and Phoenix thought they'd bagged a fourth goal in the 12th minute when a shot from Phil Hamer appeared to go in. The officials however didn't see the puck enter the net and Billingham immediately responded to cut the arrears to two. Phoenix weren't rattled and Murray completed a first period hat trick just over a minute later and Hamer was finally rewarded 40 seconds later as the home side romped to a 5-1 interval lead.

The second period saw Billingham up their effort while Phoenix, somewhat understandably, eased up and didn't hit the rich vein of form from the first session. Billingham scored their second goal just before the half-hour mark and that stung the Phoenix into action as Tom Hammond restored the four goal margin two minutes later. The game was tighter and more tense with both sides taking penalties while Richard Ravey hit a post and Phoenix netminder Adam Summerfield was kept busy throughout.

The third period saw the visitors again increase their effort and while Phoenix were taking too many penalties, Billingham again made it a three-goal game. By the 47th minute, Billingham had added a fourth goal and Phoenix were feeling the pressure, but a stunning full stretch save from Summerfield proved just the inspiration the team had been looking for. The home side defended more resolutely, cut out the penalties and got back to something like the first period level of play. Their fourth straight win of the season was secured in the final minute as Phil Hamer added his second goal of the game to complete a 7-4 winning margin.

Phoenix statistics
John Murray 3+0, Phil Hamer 2+0, Jake Nurse 1+3, Tom Hammond 1+2, Sam Leaver 0+1.

Adam Summerfield - 34/4

Under-18s Manager Alan Ravey commented, "We knew the Billingham game would be our stiffest test to date, and the players will learn a lot from this game. We are still on track to meet the targets set for this month."

Phoenix U-18s maintain 100% start

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