ROUND ONE
Cardiff Redhawks 2 - Beagles 0
The Celtic Plate re-match was quite a tough one for the first game. With no time for warmups it was pretty much straight on and the action started. Cardiff gave a worthy performance in what was also their first game of the day. We had several chances but unfortunately the scoreline didn't go our way.
Newcastle Wildcats White 0 - Beagles 10
Although I can't confirm from gamesheets, most teams believed this was the largest scoreline in the entire tournament. It was unfortunate for a very tired Newcastle team who have only been formed for several months. With only six skaters, the pressure at our end was abscent and keeper Ed Begley gained his first shutout of the day.
Nottingham Mavericks C 0 - Beagles 0
Unlike last year, the majority of the crowd really backed up the Beagles, and Sheffield Bears raised the Saltire for this game. When the noise level was raised a notch, it was clear that Nottingham had a rivalry with...well...everyone. The game ended up very end to end with many chances on both sides, but both keepers stood strong leading to the final score being unchanged. The Mavericks were showing signs of desperation at times, and with their sticks being thrown on the ice and against the boards in frustration, the Beagles definately ruffed up the Mavericks feathers by ending their winning streak. Not a bad result against the unbeaten team in Division 3 South.
Manchester Metros B 0 - Beagles 2
Going in to this game 1-1-1 (WLT), the pressure was on due to a large number of wins from Cardiff and Nottingham. In order to progress to the semi-finals, it was essential that the Beagles won the next two games. With Manchester ranked 2nd in the power rankings, we knew this one was going to be as difficult as the previous game against a strong team. Again, the hockey was constantly end to end, but the Beagles under their new banner once again prevailed, earning the second shutout and the Saltire flag raised even higher by the Sheffield lads.
Northumbria Flames C 0 - Beagles 2
One win needed to progress, and knowing this gave the Beagles that extra drive they were looking for. The pressure was strong in the Flame's end. The puck hit the pipes twice and was well cleared off the line by a determined Northumbria defender. Eventually their keeper was beaten and a second late goal sealed the deal.
With all round one games completed, the Beagle's fate was out of their hands as Cardiff Redhawks faced off against the Nottingham Mavericks. For us to reach the semi-finals, Cardiff had to win this game. The Redhawks were already through to the semi-finals but our Celtic friends, wishing to play us again in the final, went out there with all they had. The Beagles watched from the stands giving as much support as their voiceboxes would allow! The scoreline remained 0-0, but the Redhawks eventually broke through the Mavericks defences and gained a goal with less than 2 minutes remaining...but it wasn't over yet! The Mavericks went on the powerplay straight after the faceoff. The Redhawks were all defence to keep the scoreline in their favour. The Beagle's faces went white as a shot from the left winger beat the Cardiff goalie but rung of the outside of the post with 6 seconds to go. A final wrap-around attempt was saved just as the final buzzer sounded. The Beagles were through!
SEMI-FINAL
Warwick Panthers 3 - Beagles 0
Warwick had won all their games in Group 1. The Beagles were ecstatic just to have reached this stage, building so much on last year's last-place performance. Warwick provided a good challenge and their efforts prevailed. Although that was the end for our team, it felt like we had won the final to have come so far!
News from the Scottish Plate war-room added to the euphoria. Champagne was drunk and the night danced away in town. The Beagles showed the BUIHA that their bite is as strong as their bark. Bring on Division 3 for next season!
Other Scores
Semi-final 2:
Cardiff Redhawks 1 - Sheffield Bears 1 (Cardiff win on penalties)
FINAL:
Cardiff Redhawks 1 - Warwick Panthers 1 (Cardiff win on penalties)
WINNERS: Cardiff Redhawks B
| (18/04/2009) Beagles Championships Results 2009 |
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