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| Chris Jones was the Ducks' MVP at home to Bradford (Photo by Chris Jones - a different one...) |
Saturday 14th December 2020 – NIHL Laidler Division: Deeside Ducks 5 – Bradford Bulldogs 6
The Deeside Ducks put in a battling performance before narrowly losing out 5-6 to Bradford Bulldogs at Deeside Leisure Centre on Saturday
This
game was played between two very closely matched teams and there was never more
than one goal in it. It was entertaining end to end hockey throughout with
plenty of chances for both sides.
Continuing
with the Ducks’ policy of encouraging young talent, the game saw senior league
debuts for Dragons Under 19 players Callum Garwell and Rafferty Smith.
After
a tense opening phase, the Ducks took the lead on 6 minutes with a debut goal from
Rafferty Smith.
Bradford
equalised on 12 minutes but Deeside edged back into the lead with a Stewart
Cutting goal just 14 seconds later. The Bulldogs equalised on 14 minutes and
the score remained 2-2 at the first period break.
The
second period was just as close and Gary Dixon fired the Ducks back in front
just 90 seconds in. Bradford equalised
again and Chris Jones re-established the Deeside lead on 26 minutes.
Cue
another equaliser from the visitors before Rory Sillery scored his first ever
league goal to hand the Ducks a narrow 5-4 lead at the second interval.
Unfortunately,
the game slipped away from Deeside in the third period as two quick goals
within 90 seconds of each other saw Bradford draw level again and then take the
lead for the first time.
A
spate of late penalties hampered the Ducks attempts to salvage something from
the match and it finished up as a 5-6 win to the Bulldogs.
The
MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards went to Liam Hine for Bradford and Chris
Jones for Deeside.
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| Rafferty Smith was the Ducks' MVP away at Billingham (photo by Paul Ali Photography) |
Sunday 15th December 2020 – NIHL Laidler Division: Billingham Buccaneers 12 - Deeside Ducks 0
The
Ducks’ first ever trip to the north east to face high flying Billingham was
always going to be a tough one, and that is exactly how it turned out.
The
hosts led 3-0 after the first period and 8-0 after the second. Four more goals in the final 20 minutes
handed them a comprehensive 12-0 victory and saw the Ducks making the long
journey home on the back of their second shut-out of the season.
The Deeside Ducks play their last game of the calendar year this Saturday 21st December when they entertain the Altrincham Aces at Deeside Leisure Centre, 5pm face off.
