Luke Alston was the Wild's MVP in the home defeat against Deeside (Photo by Steve Cunningham)
Sunday 22nd September – Moralee Division: Widnes Wild 2 – Deeside Dragons 7
The Widnes Wild NIHL team’s disappointing start to the season continued with a 2-7 defeat at the hands of local rivals Deeside Dragons at Planet Ice Widnes on Sunday.
Due to the close proximity of the two teams – and regular interchanges of players over the years - matches with the Dragons are always feisty affairs and this was no exception.
A short-benched Widnes - caused by mounting injury worries - actually scored first with a goal by Kai Hathaway but three strikes for the Dragons – including a brace from former Wild favourite Jakub Hajek - saw the visitors leading 1-3 at the first period break.
Luke Alston narrowed the deficit to just one goal midway through the second period but two goals late on handed the Dragons a 2-5 lead with one period left to play.
The game was pretty much dominated by Deeside’s new import and former Leeds Knights National Division player - American Jake Witowksy – and he rounded off an impressive hat trick to go with his three assists to bring the score to 2-6 midway through the third period.
A seventh goal for the Dragons late in the game further rubbed salt in the Wild wounds and bragging rights remain at the western end of the M56 – at least until the next Widnes / Deeside encounter.
The Wild are next in action this Sunday 29th September when they are at home to the new Leeds Knights 2 team in the Moralee Division at Planet Ice Widnes, 5.30pm face off.
