Romford Buccaneers coach Jason Buckman was pleased to see his side come out on top in two challenge matches with Haringey Huskies last weekend.

Joe Tomalin - son of former Raiders captain Richard - opened their account for the season at Alexandra Palace on Saturday, before Brynley Capps struck either side of the second break to seal a 3-0 win, with Sonny Phillips making 29 saves for his shutout.

And Capps netted in overtime to seal a 4-3 win in Romford the following night, after Nathan Long, Kobe Grinell-Parke and Donald Campbell had also struck.

"I couldn’t have asked for two better pre-season games against Haringey - two really tough, competitive games and a lot of the guys logged some valuable minutes," said Buckman.

"It was great to see Joe Tomalin, Brynley Capps and Kobe Grinell-Parke grab their first senior goals for the Buccaneers.

"This year we have a very young squad again and will be up against it with the other teams bolstering their squads with more experienced players.

"We all know the task ahead and we will have to fight for every single puck on the ice in every game we play."

Buccaneers begin their National League Division One South campaign this week, as they welcome defending champions Streatham to the Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre on Saturday (5.15pm), before travelling to Invicta on Sunday.

And Buckman admits the fixtures computer could have been kinder to his side.

"The start to the regular season couldn’t be any tougher with a home fixture against Streatham and an away fixture against Invicta," he added.

"We will need a tough week of training and the guys have to be ready to jump in the deep end to start the season and give it their all."

STATISTICS

Haringey 0 Buccaneers 3

Buccaneers: Brynley Capps 2, Joe Tomalin 1, Nathan Long 0+1.

Penalty mins: Huskies 10 Buccaneers 8. Shots on goal: Luke Clark (H) 40-3; Sonny Phillips (R) 29-0.

Buccaneers 4 Haringey 3

Buccaneers: Donald Campbell 1+1, Capps 1+1, Long 1, Kobe Grinell-Parke 1, Tyrone Wells 0+1, Luca Pascale 0+1, Courtney Grant 0+1.

Huskies: Ryan Gadeke 1, Stuart Appleby 1, Joe Tearall 1, Marton Szasz 0+1.

Penalty mins: Buccaneers 4 Huskies 2. Shots on goal: Phillips (R, 60.17) 29-3; Clark (H, 60.17) 37-4.