NIHL North round-up - week 29

18 Mar 2013 | Michael Black

Coventry Blaze secured their place in the NIHL North promotion/relegation play-off, Trafford Metros are relegated to NIHL2

Coventry Blaze secured their place in the NIHL North promotion/relegation play-off with victory at Trafford Metros on Saturday. Goals by Gareth Owen (2), Rikki Bryniarski (2), Jay McFadyen and Adam Alfoldy helped them to a 6-4 win. Blaze will face either Deeside Dragons or Solihull Barons for the right to play in NIHL1 North next season, while the result confirmed Metros’ relegation to NIHL2.

Solway Sharks and Blackburn Hawks warmed up for their play-off semi-final with a pair of impressive road wins. Struan Tonnar (2), Nathan Salem and Adam Reynolds, Declan Balmer and Ross Murray were on the scoresheet as Sharks won 6-3 at Sutton Sting, while Aaron Davies hit a hat-trick for the Hawks in their 7-4 win at Coventry.

Whitley Warriors won their final home game of the season with an 8-1 demolition of Telford Titans – Callum Watson (3) and Jamie Tinsley led the scoring. Sheffield easily disposed of Trafford 7-2 – Nick Manning weighed in with a couple for the Spartans.

Deeside moved into the NIHL2 North promotion play-off slot with an impressive win at Sheffield Senators. Ben Simister (3), Tom King, Brian Worrall and Simon Furnival got the goals as the Dragons eased to a 6-1 success. Nottingham Lions confirmed their return to NIHL1 North last weekend and celebrated in style after by Fylde Flyers 15-0. Blackburn Eagles remain without a point following a 6-2 defeat at Hull Stingrays.

Next weekend sees Deeside travel to Hull, while Solihull host Nottingham.