The struggle continues for the Barbarians

Barbarians 1                   The Chiefs 2
The Barbarians lined up against arch rivals The Chiefs on Sunday.  Wilson returned to the line up having been sidelined due to work commitments early on in the season.  What was anticipated as a close game was just that.  Having never been beaten by The Chiefs the Barbarians wanted to keep that run going.  It was a tight tense affair from the start with both teams having chances.  The Chiefs however looked more hungry for the points and were applying plenty of pressure.  The stalemate was broke however by The Barbarians at 14.10 in the first period as a blocked shot lead to a 3 on 1 brake away with a fluent move that saw Bradley pass to Oades who fed a pass to Lycett at the side of the net for a tap in.  Half time 1-0 Barbarians.

The Barbarians looked to hold there one goal lead which is always a risk.  More pressure was applied by The Chiefs and were rewarded with a powerplay goal with 13 minutes to go.  It was 2-1 Chiefs 2 minutes later after a defencive mistake.  The Barbarians tired as the could to get back into the contest to no avail.  Final score 2-1 Chiefs. 

Barbarians 5                Salford Stars 5
After the disappointment of the earlier match up with the Chiefs it was now or never for the Barbarians as another defeat would see there chances of league glory all but over.  Salford has been atop of the league since the first weekend but have struggled in form just like the Barbarians.  The game it self was fast flowing with chances a both ends. 

Salford were soon on the board 1-0.  However a minute later Oades capitalised on a loose puck in front of goal to make it 1-1.  This seemed to push Salford to another level as the hit 2 more goals in succession to make it 3-1 after 11 minutes played.  Bradley equalised late on in the period with a powerplay goal to make it 3-2 Salford at the break.

It was much of the same in the second period with plenty of opportunities for both teams to extend there tally of goals.  Clapham squared the tie with 13 minutes to go.  Salford again added another powerplay goal and what was thought to be an insurance with 3.36 remain on the clock.  5-3 Salford.
The Barbarians called a time out to regroup it was this was our cup final we needed 2 goals at leased.

The puck dropped and Salford too control it was looking bleak, but with the clock ticking down passed 1 minute Oades fed Wilson who stepped in and slotted home to make it 5-4 with 42 seconds remaining.  More pressure was applied in the dying seconds and with 5 seconds remaining Clapham volleyed a shot top corner to make it 5-5.  This wasn't the final drama in the match as Salford hit the cross bar with the last touch of the game.

A disappointing weekend that saw only 1 point from 4.