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Play off pay off!

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Sunday 1st September saw teams from Manchester, Hull Peterborough and Cardiff converge on Widnes, as the B.S.H.A. Play Off Finals came to the rink in Widnes, specially designed with sledge hockey in mind.

The first game saw the Manchester Phoenix take on the Division 2 Champions, the Cardiff Devils... the first ever meeting between the two sides! Cardiff dominated Division 2, going unbeaten all season and with a mix of youth and experience in the side, they would provide a stern test for the Phoenix. Manchester had finished 3rd in Division 1, but had given every team a stern test, despite one or two of the score lines and where improving in every game, arguably playing their best game in the semi finals vs. Kingston.

As per the semi finals, the games would be split in to 3 periods, instead of the usual 2, something that had undone the Phoenix in Coventry in the Semi Finals... how would they cope this time?

The first period was fast and frantic, with Cardiff trying to get in the Phoenix zone early and cause panic but some resilient defending and net minding by the Phoenix kept Cardiff at bay. Phoenix hit the back of the net first through Anthony Booth, carrying on in the great form he showed in Coventry, with the forward line of Karl Nicholson, Rob Allen and Anthony Booth clicking very well. Despite some intense pressure in the Cardiff zone, the Phoenix couldn't make the pressure pay off and with Cardiff hitting everything that entered their zone, Steve Thomas on a one man wrecking mission, the Cardiff zone was proving to be a very uncomfortable place fort he Phoenix. The Phoenix did manage to add to their tally to finish the period 2-0 up.

The second continued in the same vein, with Phoenix scoring within the first minute to take a grip on the game, but Cardiff continued to apply some pressure and never let their heads drop, creating several chances but unable to convert, the defence was playing with confidence and in net, Steve Midghall was making saves and covering his angles well, all this would provide a frustrating game for the Devils players, again Phoenix found the net to take a 4-0 second interval lead.

The 3rd period would provide to be the closest period of the game, both teams trading chances and near misses, and with the Phoenix adding 3 more goals, including Pat Bailey making his return after a long injury lay off, Cardiff still kept going, and were rewarded as Steve Thomas out paced the Phoenix defence to a loose puck and fired a rocket past Steve Midghall to break his shut out bid.

The game ended 7-1 to the Phoenix, but Cardiff gave them a tough game and refused to quit and should be applauded for the way the team performed, those who were in attendance, including several Phoenix fans, were treated to a fast and physical game and saw the progression the Phoenix had made in the past year.

The Play Off Final was played between the League Champions, the Peterborough Phantoms and the conquerors of the Phoenix in the Semis, the Kingston Kestrels. The Kestrels had lost their league crown to the Phantoms, so this would be a grudge match!

The game lived up to that billing with hits a plenty and both teams refusing to give an inch, it was the Phantoms who struck first. But penalty trouble would then hit both teams, with a number of T-ing calls, and this allowed the Kestrels back into the game. Both goalies where in inspired form, meaning any chances created had to be taken if a team wanted to get a grip of the game. As the game moved on the Kestrels started to take more control of the game taking the lead, would this last or could the Phantoms come back and claim a double? Saves and hits came thick and fast but by the end of the game it was the Kestrels who had defeated the Phantoms 4-2 to avenge their league title loss.

After a great season and Play Off, the consensus is the teams are the closest they have been which can only bode well for the sport and with GB Sledge still in the hunt for the Paralympics in 2014 the sport is riding high. So if you want to get involved, either as a player, sponsor or just want to come and watch then get in touch at sledge@manchesterphoenix.co.uk or call the Phoenix Office on (0161) 301 6848.

The Manchester Phoenix Sledge Hockey team would like to thank all those who have helped out during the season, 98 Yetiiis Photography for covering our games and training, the B.S.H.A. who have helped us in our inaugural season, Coach Pete Hagan for the work behind the scenes, those who have assisted on and off the ice at training and match days, those who have come down to support us, both home and away as well as those who have helped spread the word through Facebook & Twitter, the Manchester Phoenix Community Sports Foundation for running the team and the J Davidson Manchester Phoenix for their support.

Finally to all those who have played for the Phoenix this season, congratulations on a great season both as a team and individually. A huge improvement over the course of the year. The Players Player of the Year will be a tightly fought contest this season.

Keep an eye put on Facebook and Twitter as we look to strengthen over the off season and really look to push the other teams next season, as well as keeping an eye on GB's progress.