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Phoenix tame the Dogs to retain the Rose Bowl

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An accomplished performance by Manchester Phoenix saw them retain the War of the Roses trophy for the third season in a row.

In front of a large, raucous crowd Phoenix spent the first period on the offensive but could not find a way past Ben Bowns. Chances fell to Cingel, Faith and Harabin, but the young goalie stood tall and saw his team back to the dressing room at 0-0.

Phoenix were again the dominant team in the second period and took the lead with a goal from Slava Koulikov . Juraj Faith scored his first goal in Phoenix colours to double the lead and Stephen Wallace hit his second of the weekend to put the home side 3-0 up. The Steeldogs may have been three goals down but they kept Stephen Fone busy and the home netminder had to be on his game to keep the Yorkshiremen at bay. End of the second and a healthy 3-0 lead for Phoenix.

The third was nip and tuck as the Steeldogs tried to get themselves back into the game and made it 3-1 when Chris Sykes scored to give them hope. Phoenix, however, were in no mood to be denied and when Sheffield pulled their goalie for the extra outskater, Jaroslav Spelda took control of the puck on the half way line and sent it into the empty net. A great weekend for the Czech-born defender who had the delightful news that he had become a proud father with the birth of his baby daughter prior to the game.

Great performance by the fast improving Phoenix side. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd roared their delight when captain Luke Boothroyd lifted the trophy for the third time.