Swindon Wildcats defenceman Josh Batch says he and his team are finding their feet again after the first couple of weekends in the Spring Cup.
Aaron Nell’s side go into an idle weekend fresh from collecting four points in their two games against the Bees, bouncing back from two losses to Sheffield Steeldogs the week before.
Batch however noticed the difference in his body when he compared how he was after both sets of games as he looks forward to some time off.
“My legs were less sore on Monday than they were the week before after the first two games so there was certainly a difference in fitness and that’ll get gradually better as the weeks go on,” he said.
“Every week will get better, both personally and as a team as we get used to each other a bit more as we’re all fairly new to each other. It’s been an adjustment, but it’s going well for us so far.
HIGHLIGHTS: Swindon win 6-2 against Bees in their third game of the Spring Cup
“It’s certainly been good to be back on the ice. We played in November then there was a hiatus since then, but it’s going well so far. We had two really tough games against Sheffield to start with, which didn’t go our way.
“But we followed it up with two really good games against the Bees. Everyone is enjoying being back on the ice and doing something other than staying at home or working.
“It’s been nice to have played in the first couple of weeks, but it’s certainly good to get this weekend off to recharge the batteries before we get ready to go again.”
Batch is not only enjoying being back playing again, but there’s the GB carrot for him, with the World Championships coming up in May.
He’s naturally keen to be ready for Pete Russell’s side, but is enjoying life with the Wildcats, highlighting the differences between playing there and with parent club, Cardiff Devils.
Batch has his eyes on the GB squad later this year (PHOTO: Kat Medcroft)
“Playing here, it’s a good chance to get ready for GB later in the year,” Batch added. “Not playing at all wouldn’t be the best preparation for us going into a tournament, especially after playing in November.
“It’s enjoyable to be out there and I’m playing more minutes than I would at Cardiff. It’s a good chance to get in shape before the GB camp and it’s definitely better than nothing.
“It’s good fun at Swindon and there’s a good group of boys there so I’m certainly making the best of it right now.
“Cardiff’s a bit different where I’m usually a fourth line forward, but here, I’m a defenceman playing a lot more really. The league’s different with the make up of players, less imports, but good British players to come up against.
“The style of hockey is less structured, but it keeps you on your toes. In Cardiff, there are a lot of systems in place so you know what you’re looking out for, but here, you’re more reactive I find, which is good.”
