Phoenix U-18s' are just CHAMPION!!!!!

Monday, 18th February 2008

Sheffield 1 - 7 Phoenix U-18s

The Manchester Phoenix Under-18 squad travelled to Sheffield with only eleven players including netminder Adam Summerfield and two of the skaters - defenceman Jack Sweet and forward Joe Greaves - had been drafted in from the Under-16 ranks. The squad did however welcome back captain Jake Nurse.

Short of bodies, coach Nick Crawley decided to go with two forward lines and three players rotating in defence with the game plan to get the goals in the bank and then if necessary play a defensive game later if required. The oppostion gameplan was to ice three full lines and tire the Phoenix squad. With a respectful minutes silence observed for the loss this week of the father of a Sheffield player, the game the Phoenix needed just a point from began.

The Phoenix team attacked from the start, creating a number of good scoring chances but unable to get the early breakthrough. Resolute defence by the Sheffield team saw them grow in confidence and Adam Summerfield was kept busy and had his goalframe to thank as one Sheffield shot rang the bell before stonewalling a two-on-one break by the home side with a fine pad save. Phoenix responded with a Rick Ravey wrist shot hit the pipework before Phoenix got the all-important opener with just 17 seconds left on the first period. Jack Sweet broke down the wing and his shot to net was met perfectly by Jake Nurse to slot home.

Sheffield came out hard to start the second period and a defensive lapse four minutes in by the Phoenix afforded the home side an equaliser. Sheffield poured forward again, but two minutes later they were caught out as Joe Greaves, unassisted, fired the Phoenix back in front and from that point on, they were not to be caught. Phoenix were now in a groove and despite their lack of bodies, they were looking the part of Champions elect as they reduced the Sheffield side to rare counter attackes as they sought to extend their lead. Captain Jake Nurse netted his second of the game in the 37th minute, assisted by Shaun Dippnall and Danny Bullock quickly added an unassisted powerplay marker as Sheffield struggled to cope.

With a three-goal cushion, the Phoenix knew that the title and automatic promtion was in their hands and they were determined not to let anything stand in their way, especially a Sheffield side with a full extra line of players. It took eleven minutes for the Phoenix to cement the victory with a peach of a move and finish. An excellent break-out led by Rick Ravey saw him find Joe Greaves with an inch-perfect pass and the Under-16 player crashed his shot into the top corner to the great delight of the Phoenix supporting parents and team-mates. Phoenix were now in control, defending strongly and breaking at speed, threatening to add to their lead. Fittingly, the sixth Phoenix marker saw Nurse complete his hatrick with a superbly taken unassisted powerplay strike in the 59th minute and with the Phoenix supporters heralding their team with chants of "Champions, Champions." Joe Mann completed the scoring backhanding home a feed from Nurse.

Phoenix Stats: Jake Nurse 3+1, Joe Greaves 2+0, Danny Bullock 1+0, Joe Mann 1+0, Rick Ravey 0+1, Shaun Dippnall 0+1, Jack Sweet 0+1.

Adam Summerfield - 25/1.

Phoenix pen mins - 16.

Phoenix MVP - Joe Greaves

Alan Ravey, Manager of the Phoenix Under-18 team commented, "We knew it would be a difficult game with only a small bench and probably everyone would agree it was not one of our better performances of the season. But we came to Sheffield to do a job and the players worked hard and got the job done and it was fitting that we got the result to become league champions rather than relying on other results. This result and championship title has been a magnificent effort from everyone concerned. The players have responded all season to the demands we've put on them, it has truly been a team effort. With two games still to play against Billingham and Solihull, we have a chance to go not only unbeaten all season, but with a 100% winning record. It's still a huge ask, but we'll be going for it."

Mr Ravey added, "I would, on behalf of the Manchester Phoenix Under-18 team, send our deepest sympathy to the family of the Sheffield player who lost his father this week. Our thoughts are with you."

Phoenix U-18s' are just CHAMPION!!!!!

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