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Milton Keynes Storm Under 16s (Division 1)
Result: 8th September 2007. Chelmsford Tomahawks 3 v MK Storm 5
(2-2, 1-1, 0-2)
Milton Keynes started the 2007/8 league campaign with an impressive, if hard-won, victory against a disciplined and well-drilled Chelmsford unit.
Both sides played fast skilful hockey from the outset, and the netminders were soon tested. Chelmsford scored first (06:57) with a breakaway goal, Jake Scriven saving and then beaten on the rebound. Minutes later, the hosts forged further ahead with a second breakaway goal (11:41), but MK continued to dominate possession and always threatened to score. A timely interception in defence by Ross Green was matched by a long saucer pass up the middle to Jacob Heron (13.20), whose control and pace in front of goal was too much for netminder Brummit. From the resulting face off, Josh Nicklin drove through the Chelmsford defence to score from close range (13:42), and MK were level.
MK started the second period confidently and looked sure to go ahead, but Chelmsford broke quickly out of defence and MK were left trailing once more (17:50). MK continued to dominate the puck, and looked stronger with every shift. Finally Glen Trivett drove behind the net, and his pass went from Jacob Heron’s stick to goal (21:11) with no delay. The period continued in similar vane, with all MK lines creating chances as they shed the early unfamiliarity of their new formations.
The final period was all about MK pressure, and increasingly desperate Chelmsford defence, and this continued even when MK were short handed. When Green shot fiercely from the blue line, and Trivett (39:32) smashed home from close range, Chelmsford morale visibly wilted. In the following attack, MK forwards swarmed over the Chelmsford defence, and with the puck ricocheting wildly in front of goal, Josh Burgess (40:18) capped a solid return to MK colours by darting in from the blue line and finishing the match as a contest. Both he and debutant Andrew Major impressed, with the latter unlucky not to score, particularly in the final seconds of the match, when working a smart move with Josh Nicklin and Connor Goode.
Following last season s impressive 4th place with a young team, and some squad strengthening over the summer months, expectations are high that MK can sustain another title challenge this season, and match or better their heroics of 2005/6, with another trip to the National Championships. This early success may be a springboard for another successful campaign, but Chelmsford are unlikely to mount a title challenge this season, and MK will have to overcome many tougher challenges if they are to reach their goal. Nonetheless MK look to have some solid lines, with good attacking options and with possibly the soundest defence in the league. All in all they have an exciting few months ahead of them, and if they continue to play as a unit, and work hard for their coaches, they have every chance of another legendary season.
MoM: Glen Trivett SoG: Jamie Miller
Shots on Goal: MK 36 Chelmsford 15 (Jake Scriven MK N/M)
Penalty minutes: MK 4 Chelmsford 0
Stats: Jacob Heron 2+0; Glen Trivett 1+1; Ross Green 0+2; Josh Burgess 1+0; Josh Nicklin 1+0 |
