Ice Hockey
Henry stars as Barons triumph

Fylde Flyers 5 Solihull Barons 8

National Ice Hockey League North Two

JOE Henry grabbed a hat-trick as Solihull Barons picked up two more crucial points from their trip to Fylde on Saturday.

This was Barons first ever visit to Fylde's Clevelys Ice Rink and they discovered a small ice pad which caused some significant problems for the visitors as they tried to get used to the cramped surface, tight corners and unfamiliar passing and shooting angles.

Henry soon got to grips with the conditions though to open the scoring byt Fylde's Bobby Caunce equalised five minutes later to complete the scoring for the first period.

Barons ran up a string of minor penalties in the second period and the resulting powerplays allowed Fylde to go 4-2 ahead, Adz Andrews having netted for Barons.

Back to full strength and acclimatising to the rink, Barons began to dictate though and goals from Henry, man of the match Jake Larkin and Phil Knight gave them a one-goal lead heading into the final period.

The visitors asserted their dominance further in the final 20 minutes with Henry completing his hat-trick, Larkin grabbing a second and Ian Hunt also finding the net.

Fylde grabbed a late consolation but it was not enough to deny Barons the victory.

Coach Darren Bellerby said afterwards: "It was a tough game and Fylde were there to spoil the party. They were resilient for the first two periods but ran out of ideas. The small rink means it's not a place to play pretty hockey.”

Barons face a tough trip to Hull on Saturday before returning to Solihull in a massive game against table toppers Nottingham Lions on December 9.

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