Phoenix heartbreak as Steeldogs take the Rose Bowl over the hills

Sunday, 9th September 2012

Manchester Phoenix 0 - Sheffield Steeldogs 0 (Phoenix lose 3-2 on aggregate).

Andre Payette’s gritty Steeldogs team stifled Phoenix and stopped them scoring in the home leg at the Dome to take the Rose Bowl trophy back to Sheffield.

Phoenix started strongly and Steeldogs took some time to get their usual game going. Andre Payette was again first to hit the penalty box after just 21 seconds. Phoenix got a couple of good shots off that Zimozdra in the Steeldogs net dealt with comfortably. Phoenix fell foul of an icing infraction when they changed players after icing the puck. Steeldogs used the powerplay to bring themselves into the game and began to exert some control. On 14.55 Pozivil checked ex-Phoenix forward Derek Campbell into the boards. The feisty forward took exception to the hit and started a fight. With Pozivil covering up, Campbell got off a couple of hits to come out on top. The period ended 0-0 with Steeldogs outshooting the hosts 9-7.

The second period was nip and tuck but Phoenix were having problems breaking down a resolute defence that had Zimozdra in fine form and was backed up by the impressive Morgan and Duncombe. The penalty count was even at 2 minors each and the shot count went to Phoenix by 13-11. Forty minutes of hockey, no goals and shots on goal even at 20-20. All to play for in the third.

Once again Phoenix started well but the Steeldogs were starting to scent victory and became even more resolute in defence while Phoenix were struggling to find a way through.

Phoenix threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Steeldogs but they still could not get past a very competent Steeldogs defence and paid second fiddle to their opponents as the game wound down. Sheffield pressed on the counter and Stephen Fone had to be alert to stop them adding to their 1st leg lead. In the final stages Phoenix went on the powerplay as Lloyd Gibson sat out a 2 minute minor for tripping but, despite pulling Stephen Fone for the last 30 seconds, they were unable to breach the Dogs’ defence.

Final score 0-0 on the night and a 3-2 aggregate score to send the large Sheffield contingent into delirium as their favourites won the Rose Bowl for the first time.

Man of the Match awards were given to Phoenix defender James Neil and Steeldogs’ netminder Dimitri Zimozdra.