Freeze Go Top Of The League

Lancashire Raptors returned to Flintshire this week, their second visit and it was to be their second defeat.  From the start of play it was clear that Flintshire would win this duel.  The first period began with a deft touch and some quality passing from Flintshire, the subtleties of the game made for a smooth incident free assault on Lancashire's defences.  Flintshire dominated the puck for the first ten minutes pushing Lancashire into a purely defensive role.  Moving into the eleventh minute the Raptors opened up and pushed the Freeze back, several shots were fired at Matty Compton one hitting the net post.  Flintshire's defence looked weak for 30 seconds whilst composure was regained.

Returning their focus Flintshire moved to the offensive, persistance paid off in the 10th minute with a goal from James Parsons.  The rink became a small place as Flintshire controlled play deep inside the Raptors comfort zone.  Marc Lovell narrowly being denied a goal after evading two Raptors, their only defence seemed to be crowding the net.  PERIOD ENDING FREEZE 1, RAPTORS 0

The second period started with a flurry of action, Flintshire resuming the offensive play. Within just 3 minutes Lancashire conceded another goal to James Parsons.  Hungry for the puck Flintshire hit Lancashire's net post less than a minute later.  Freeze turned the cold front to the Raptors for a further 10 minutes dominating play, the Raptors were seemingly unable to respond.  Breaking through once more the Freeze raise the tally to 3  after a brilliantly executed 1-2 pass delivered James Parsons hat trick goal. A minute later Flintshire score again with a near identical 1-2 pass executed by Dave Swanston this time.  Lancashire immediately called a timeout.  Returning to play Flintshire continued the assault as Marc Lovell fired in a goal in the 34th minute pinging the net post on the way in.  PERIOD ENDING FREEZE 5, RAPTORS 0

A complacent Flintshire started the final period with some sloppy defensive work leading to Lancashire's first goal.  Shortly after Flintshire still reeling from their first mistake conceded a second goal.  Lancashire dominated the puck for the first five minutes whilst Flintshire attempted to regain composure.  Re-focussing Flintshire exact a role reversal with Gary Dixon's goal followed shortly after by another by James Parsons.  Lancashire strike once more from the quarter line during a power play for their last goal of the game.  Flintshire score a excellent goal in the 57th minute with Steve Elliot assisting James Parsons for the final goal of the game setting James's tally to five.  FINAL SCORE FREEZE 8, RAPTORS 3.

MVP FREEZE No.5 James Parsons, RAPTORS No. 14

Reported by John Gibbons