Author: Julianne

The match report from last night’s game against Oxford is now on the site. The report has been sent to the local papers with a selection of photos, so anyone who scored yesterday could be in either the Hackney Gazette or Leyton Guardian (these papers are sold locally to the rink).

Deryk also has some words to say about last night’s performance:

“So the rabbit finally comes out of the hat! Around the league many will be scratching their heads and asking how did that happen? The answer is simple – show me any team that has been knocked down week in, week out, yet gets back up, dusts themselves down and still comes back for more of the same and I will show you a winning team! There is no trick. The rabbit was always there.

“We are truly fortunate to have the formidable services of Serhiy Smolenko whose belief in the team has remained unshakeable. We also have the dedicated services of Ian Prince, Sue Ranby, Julianne Bonner and others. These people are Lee Valley through and through and I am delighted that their loyalty and our supporters’ loyalty, has been rewarded. Today though, more than anyone else, is a day for the players. I am simply delighted for them and today we enjoy our victory. On Tuesday evening however work resumes during training and despite the win the screw will be tightened at 8.15 sharp!

“Saturday beckons and the Spitfires come to the Den. We must be ready for them. Now is not the time to ease off. The Spitfires have just come away from a severe beating at the hands of Solent and Gosport and they will be hungry for points. We underestimate them at our peril. Our fight-back continues. Our gaze is now well and truly upon the Spitfires and we will be ready and waiting!

“If you have not been to a game recently do not miss this one. It will be a cracker.”

The Lions played an awesome game tonight at Oxford and at long last achieved the win we’ve been waiting for. It’s been a long time coming but we certainly deserved it.

What’s all the more impressive is that we managed it with just 11 outfield players and 1 goalie. 6 of our 11 scored, with “key player” (read the programme) Paul O’Neill scoring twice. I think this news justifies a couple of celebratory photos…

Deryk has this message for Lions’ players and supporters following last night’s game: “For the first time the Lions played the majority of the three periods as a team and we reaped our reward. The Lion did not quit, it woke up, opened its eyes and showed its teeth with an almighty roar. Our fightback begins. Now we concentrate on Oxford. We rest until Tuesday’s training when the work starts in earnest for the team at 8.15pm sharp. No RSVP required.” We expect a full turn-out at training, guys, this is important.

Lee Valley Lions have achieved their first league point since their reformation, drawing 7-7 with Swindon ENL Wildcats. (This is the first point won since the original Lions beat Paisley Pirates 6-5 back on 18th March 1995!) A fantastic game to watch, photos and the match report will be posted as soon as I have come down from my (natural) high.