Billingham Stars coach Terry Ward insists his seemingly play-off bound side can spoil Blackburn’s title party tomorrow when they head to Lancashire for a 5.45pm face-off.
Blackburn secured their first-ever league title in their 25th anniversary year a few weeks ago with a 6-2 win against Sheffield Spartans.
The Hawks will be presented with the title trophy after the game but Ward is confident his team can rise to the challenge and take the shine off their celebrations with victory.
Ward said: “Blackburn are deservedly league champions but we don’t think they’re untouchable.
“The Brittle boys are a handful, but if we can tie them up then their offensive threat is limited.
“We’ve run them close in the last couple of games, they got the run of the puck on a few occasions but I’d like to think it’s our turn for a bit of luck.
“They tend to take a lot of penalties and our power play seems to have turned a corner in recent weeks so hopefully we can capitalise if their discipline lets them down.”
Ward feels the Stars are improving at exactly the right time of the season with the crucial final stretch approaching.
The Ultimate Windows Stars strengthened their grip on second spot last weekend after a fine four-point return, including a welcome 6-3 victory over third-placed Solway Sharks.
Any three from five teams will make the end-of-season showpiece, but Billingham are all but mathematically certain of going to Dumfries.
“We have shown in the last few games that on our day we are more than a match for anybody,” he said.
“We still have everything to play for to keep our momentum going and make sure we finish with as many points as we can.
“Plus, we need to think about laying down a marker should we face the Hawks in Dumfries.
“Blackburn receive the League trophy after the game which is even more motivation for us to take the two points .
“If we can get the win then we take their unbeaten record and we spoil the party a little.”
Hosts Blackburn have been likely champions all season, dropping just two points, and their aim now is to go the whole campaign unbeaten and cap a memorable year by taking the play-off crown in Dumfries in April.
There is no secret to the Hawks’ success – a glance at the scoring statistics is proof that in brothers Adam and Luke Brittle they have the most potent strikeforce in the league.
Consistently combining to score, the Brittles have averaged around three points each per game and are the top points scorers by some way.
After two sterling performances last weekend, the Stars will start with keeper Mark Watson between the posts. Garry Dowd is ruled out with an ankle injury, while Andy Finn and Scott Ward face late fitness tests.
There are two further National League (North) Moralee Division One games today before the Stars head for Blackburn.
Sheffield Spartans entertain Manchester Minotaurs before Solway Sharks take on Sutton Sting in Dumfries.
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