Warriors go goal crazy in double-header

WHITLEY Warriors ended the regular season in dramatic style with their two games serving up 25 goals, writes CHRIS MACKENZIE.

The club can now look forward to the Championship playoffs, with a two-legged tie with the Telford Tigers in store.

The Warriors enjoyed their travels on Saturday evening as they were able to come away from Wales with a 9-5 win.

Jordan Barnes collected the man of the match award for Warriors for his hat-trick while Ben Richards and Dean Holland both picked up three points.

And they followed that up with a local derby yesterday – albeit without a number of members of the squad, including Sam Zajac, Dan Pye and Adam Finlinson.

Billingham took advantage to edge a physical first period to lead 2-1.

And then early into the second period Jack Emerson extended the Stars’ lead, making it 3-1.

But Shaun Kippin found the top corner with a fierce effort and a Ben Richards goal brought the scores level as he picked up the rebound to his own shot and guided the puck past James Flavell in the Billingham net.

The game swung back in favour of Billingham soon after as they grabbed two quick goals to move into a 5-3 lead.

The Warriors then decided to switch netminders, with Jordan Boyle replacing Richie Lawson in goal.

The youngster made a couple of smart stops but the Stars were soon back on the scoresheet thanks to Sykes and Emerson.

Warriors were creating openings at the other end of the ice which saw Ross Douglass test the reflex’s of James Flavell while Dean Holland fired narrowly wide having skilfully evaded the home sides defence with some smart play.

The final session of play saw Warriors go on the powerplay and pull the score back to 7-4.

They continued to pummel Flavell’s goal but the netminder made a series of outstanding saves to prevent Whitley from grabbing any further goals.

Whitley go into the Championship playoffs next weekend knowing they will be facing the Telford Tigers.

But at the time of writing it is still not known which days the home and away legs will be played on.