Training day for Great Britain

“Don’t understimate Romania”: the warning of experienced Mark Richardson before the easiest game on the paper for Great Britain against pointless Romania, roughed up by Croatia with 12 goals Wednesday night, didn’t went unheeded. The impassioned British team, with scorer Robert Dowd back on roster, is too much for modest Romania that will have just one more chance to avoid the (probable) return to Division II.

With full rosters and Bowns – Onodi in the cage, the teams set the expected plot: Britain dominating, Romania trying to defend: the fireworks crackle after 03:15 when British open the score with a bit of luck: Robert Lachowitz serves Jonathan Phillips in front of the net, his shot hit the post and the back of Onodi, laying down in the cage. After a fruitless power play for Romania, Great Britain doubles at 10:52, courtesy of Otto Onodi: the goalie misses a clearance giving the puck to Jonathan Phillips, quick assist for Boxill and easy finishing. The young goalie is decisive in the first British power play rebounding on O’Connor, Dowd and Lee closing the first period with limited damages. In the second period British break the resistance after three minutes and a long list of saves by Onodi: it’s Robert Farmer to find the upper angle with a precise shot. Romania bravely survived to a double 5 vs 3 superiority until 33:19 when Colin Shield finds the right deflection on O’Connor shot beating Onodi.

Matthew Myers scored the fifth goal of the game

Jonathan Phillips hit the bar at minute 34. The third period has a slower pace, more comfortable for Romania that can secure the constant pressure until 48:51 when Matthew Myers, at the second attempt, manage to beat Onodi. At 54:13 a powerful shot by Jonathan Weaver gives British the sixth goal for the joy of fans. The concentration vanishes and finally Romania manage to score one minute after with a precise shot of Ervin Moldovan after a speedy counterattack. Mission accomplished for Great Britain in a game too easy, a god training before the final decisive clash against Ukraine

MVP: Jonathan Weaver – Botond Flinta

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