Match Reports. Saturday. Game One. 1-1 OXFORD. The Warriors looked comfortable in the early stages, swarming forward time and time again to put pressure on the Oxford net. But despite the dominance in possession, there were no goals by the break. It was the same story in the second period and although Michael Crosse hit the cross bar, the Warriors couldn't find a way past the Giant Oxford netminder Mason and when the defence parted to allow Hickman to shoot in, the Warriors found themselves behind against the run of play. Only a late strike from William Kouao grabbed the Warriors a point in a game which should have been won. Game 2. 5-7 BLACKHAWKS Netminder Jonny Betts was on form with some great saves against the Northern side while Hayden Hagger, Jerryl Jospeph (2) and Michael Crosse (2) all netted, but the Blackhawks held off second period pressure for the win. After two games the Warriors only had one point despite having plenty of chances and feeling like they should have had two wins under the belt at this stage. Game 3. 2-4 CHELMSFORD CHECKERS A bad start against the eventual finalists but the best Warriors performance of the day. However it took two goals in the first ninety seconds from Chelmsford to issue the wake-up call. The defence tightened, Jonny Betts made some great stops and the forwards were getting behind the Chelmsford back line to create chances with some great passing. The Warriors pulled two goals back and began to look like the team that went unbeaten in the league. But two goals in a minute from Chelmsford meant another narrow defeat. Chelmsford went on to the final, but take out the first ninety seconds, and the Warriors showed that they could have been one of the top teams at the Nationals. The earlier slip ups against Oxford and the Blackhawks had been costly. Sunday. Game 4. 7-2 LIBS The Warriors knew that a win over Libs by 4 or more goals would secure third in the group and a shot at fifth overall. Putting 25 goals past them in two league meetings meant this should be possible in a 30 minute game and the Warriors handled the task with ease. Michael Crosse won the opening face off and Callan Gayle shot in for a 1-0 lead after 1 second! Alim Jallo, who wasn't used much on Saturday, burst onto the scene with two goals and although Cade Carter pulled one back, Michael Crosse made it 4-1 by the break. After starting the game, Jonny Betts was replaced by Pee Wee netminder Ethan James and later by Youth back-up Elise Hyde while at the other end, Jerryl Joseph with a pair and Michael Crosse scored second period goals. Although Cade Carter added his second, it was a good 7-2 win for Warriors, and the improvement in goal difference they needed. An hour later Chelmsford beat Oxford 8-0 anyway, so even a 1-0 win would have been enough....
