Billingham Stars got the perfect send-off in their last game before next weekend's play-offs
Billingham Stars got the perfect send-off in their last game before next weekend’s play-offs, blasting six final period goals to overcome local rivals Whitley Warriors 7-3 in the second of a two-game challenge series.
The Stars face Blackburn Hawks in their play-off semi-final in Dumfries on Saturday (4.30pm).
If victorious, they will play either Solway Sharks or Whitley Warriors in the final on Sunday (2pm).
James McCabe opened the Teessiders’ account in the fourth minute with a wraparound goal, with Whitley levelling four minutes later with a contentious goal on the power play from former Star Karl Culley.
Whitley eventually took the lead in the 34th minute, Watson beating Kerry while there appeared to be too many men on the ice.
The Warriors again took advantage of a missed call just a minute later when a trip in their defensive zone went unpunished, allowing Daniel Good to make it 3-1 with a breakaway goal.
A dressing room rocket from Terry Ward had the desired effect as Billingham came out flying in the final session.
Captain Paul Windridge got the Teessider to within one just 22 seconds after the restart when he fired home.
Michael Bowman grabbed the equaliser in the 46th minute after some superb puck handling from Stephen Wallace.
Whitley defended wave after wave of Billingham attacks before Richie Thornton finally put the Stars ahead in the 53rd minute.
Former Warriors coach Garry Dowd promptly made it 5-3, Bowman added the sixth and young defender Matthew Campbell finished the game off in fine style for the home side with a looping backhand effort.
Billingham’s director of coaching Ward said: “We absolutely deserved our victory.”
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