WHITLEY Warriors capitalised on widespread injuries to hand a first loss of the season to Solihull Barons on Sunday.
Daniel Brittle’s side went down 7-0 away to the Warriors, ending a run of six wins in succession, which initially continued following Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Solway Sharks.
The Barons travelled to Berkshire hopeful of registering another impressive result despite being heavily depleted, a result of several injuries and suspensions heading into the game.
Callum Queenan struck the Warriors’ opener heading towards the closing stages of the first period, breaking the deadlock to allow Philip Edgar and Adam Finlinson to add to the scoreline in the second.
Sam Hewitt prevented the one-way traffic from resulting in a more comprehensive scoreline and pulled off a number of superb saves throughout the evening.
He had no answer to two more from Edgar and one each from Harry Harley and Roland Gritans in the final period though, rounding off a difficult night for the visitors.
The result was in complete contrast to Saturday’s action at Hobs Moat Road, where goals from Dan and Phil Mulcahy, along with Niklas Ottosson’s strike, put the Barons in control from the early stages against the Sharks.
A goalless second period followed, while Solway capitalised on a powerplay period to respond with a goal of their own in the final 20 minutes.
Barons prevented the Sharks from making any further ground, rounding off the victory through Rich Slater.
Solihull are fourth in the Moralee Division and host bottom side Nottingham Lions on Sunday (5.30pm), following a NIHL Midlands Cup tie away to Sutton Sting on Saturday (7.30pm).
