Davis hails team spirit after win

Romford Recorder: London Raiders captain Tom Davis goes on the attack against Milton Keynes (pic: John Scott)London Raiders captain Tom Davis goes on the attack against Milton Keynes (pic: John Scott) (Image: Archant)

London Raiders captain Tom Davis hailed his side’s spirit and character after they ended their long losing run with victory over Milton Keynes.

An 8-3 home defeat against Chelmsford had made it 19 in a row for the Lee Valley-based side, but they ended 2014 on a winning note with a 4-2 triumph against the Thunder the following night.

And Davis revealed they had been determined to see out the year with success, saying: “Sunday was a big game for us and we were due a win.

“The team had great spirit on and off the ice from the minute we walked into the rink. We played a very good game and showed so many positives.

Romford Recorder: London Raiders defenceman Phil Manny tries to protect his own net against Milton Keynes (pic: John Scott)London Raiders defenceman Phil Manny tries to protect his own net against Milton Keynes (pic: John Scott) (Image: Archant)

“Our first line was on fire, with all three forwards getting on the scoresheet, and the second line played a big part to by breaking their players down with big hits, but also putting up a few good chances too.

“Our third line owned the ice and were hitting everything in sight. We battled hard right until the final buzzer and that’s why we came away with the win.”

Vaclav Drabek cancelled out Thunder’s opener, but Raiders trailed 2-1 at the first break when bench coach Alan Blyth replaced starting goalie George Alley with James Tanner.

The move paid off as Tanner turned aside all 16 shots that came his way and Liam Chong’s shorthanded goal squared matters late in the second period.

Romford Recorder: London Raiders captain Tom Davis was named player of the match for November (pic: John Scott)London Raiders captain Tom Davis was named player of the match for November (pic: John Scott) (Image: Archant)

Dan Peters and Jacob Ranson netted in the final frame and Raiders, with Grant Taylor making his return to the ice, held on for two vital points.

Davis added: “Having Grant back made a big difference, not only on the ice but in the changing room as well.

“We have a couple of lads like Jack Lee and TJ Fillery who are looking to show what they can do and their time will come, but even these guys played a big part in the game and kept us all going.

“We are still due players coming into the team which can only make us stronger so it’s looking up.

“We now go into the new year with that win under our belt and hopefully we can carry this on for the rest of the season.”