Sharks’ Pavol Melichercik grabs winner against Hawks

Solway Sharks face a weekend on the road as they look to extend their lead at the top of NIHL North (Moralee Conference).

Sharks travel to Manchester Minotaurs on Saturday, while the following evening they face Telford Titans.

With a three point lead and games in hand over the chasing pack, Coach Martin Grubb is keen to hammer home their advantage:

“Last week’s win against the Hawks was a great result for us. It was an excellent game between two top class teams. We knew if we executed our systems and game plan we had a chance to win and stop their winning run. The title race and play-offs are still wide open, but we feel we’ve allowed ourselves to keep things in our hands and are focused on finishing the job.”

Titans enter Sunday’s clash boosted by picking up their first point of the season last week. Simon Harrison’s equaliser against Whitley Warriors sealed a stunning comeback from three behind to draw 5-5 and he was delighted to finally put a point on the board: “It’s been a really tough season physically and mentally for us. When we scored and tied the game it was a great feeling.

“Everyone pushed so hard in the final two periods and getting our first point was a great boost for the team. The guys are on a high and carrying that positive energy into the games ahead will really help our confidence. The first win isn’t far away if we keep that performance level up.”

Sunday’s remaining Moralee games see Whitley host Billingham Stars, Sutton Sting face-off against Manchester, while Blackburn meet Sheffield Spartans.

Deeside Dragons bid to get their Laidler Conference title challenge back on track as they travel to Nottingham Lions on Sunday. Dragons are three points behind leaders Solihull Barons after defeat at Coventry Blaze last week and forward Simon Furnival says it’s a must-win game: “It was a very disappointing loss last Sunday night – we really needed the win to put pressure on Solihull.

“We’re all eager to put things right against the Lions this week. Nottingham is always a tough game, but if we work as team we will get the right result.”

Sunday’s other Laidler fixture sees Widnes Wild host Hull Jets.

(Image permission: David Morrison)