Hexagon Telford Tigers took on the Peterborough Phantoms in their final pre-season challenge game ahead of the league season start next weekend.
Tigers lost heavily in the reverse fixture the previous evening and were looking to get immediate revenge for their mauling the previous day. Telford had announced prior to the game that import signing Brady Heppner would no longer be joining the club this season, as due to an injury he has been forced to retire from the sport. Tigers were also without Nick Oliver and Zane McKenzie.
Tigers made the perfect start to the game when Vladimir Luka scored in the second minute to put the hosts ahead. The Phantoms fired back shortly after with an equaliser from Luke Ferrara.
Late in the period Scott McKenzie was called for hooking, giving the visitors a power play. Within a minute the Phantoms were ahead. Martin Susters with the go ahead goal to leave Peterborough ahead at the break.
Tigers played well in the second period and scored four unanswered goals.
Luka scored his second of the game with a power play goal. Within a minute Tigers were ahead, with a goal from Sam Watkins.
Fin Howells then scored to increase the lead to two and was closely followed by a goal from Harry Ferguson.
Late in the period Lukas Sladkovsky pulled a goal back for Peterborough.
Tigers took advantage of an unusual penalty called against the Phantoms in the third period, Jasper Foster was called for an illegal equipment penalty gifting Tigers a power play. Scott McKenzie took full advantage with the only goal of the period to give Tigers a sixth goal and sealed the win for the home side.
Tigers face Solway Sharks away next Saturday before their first home game of the season on Sunday against Bees.
Final Score: Hexagon Telford Tigers 6 Peterborough Phantoms 3.
Scorers: Vladimir Luka (2), Sam Watkins, Harry Ferguson, Fin Howells and Scott McKenzie.
Man of the match: Sam Watkins.
After the game Head Coach Tom Watkins commented, “I think it took us a while to get going last night which was similar to Saturday night but It’s always difficult early doors in any game. We were a little fortunate with some of the calls that went our way but we did a good job of changing the momentum, which got our feet going much better in the second and third periods and grew in confidence. We are still trying to find the right balance in the lines and I made an alteration after the first period which seems to benefit us.”
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