Ice-hockey: Streatham can’t collect even more silverware as they lose National NIHL South 1 final

Hopes of a clean sweep of five trophies were dashed last weekend as Streatham went down 4-2 to the Solway Sharks in the National NIHL South 1 final in Coventry, writes David Carr.

The Red Hawks were missing several key players, including top scorer Vanya Antonov and alternate captain Ryan Watt. They trailed 2-0 at the end of the first period and never really recovered despite a goal from Danny Ingoldsby at the start of the second period.

The Dumfries-based outfit scored twice more before a Scott Bailey effort gave Streatham’s fans a consolation to celebrate. Player-coach Michael Farn appeared for the last time along with fellow North East native Andy Cook, with both set to hang up the skates this summer.

“The better team won on the day and we’ve got no complaints” said Farn, who leaves SW16 after bagging two league titles, four cups and a play-off championship during his five-year stay.

“We can look back on the season with pride, both as a group and as a club. Four trophies in one campaign is an incredible achievement and another stepping stone towards sustained success.

“The fans have been fantastic and with us all the way. There are a hardcore of long-time fans who have seen the highs and lows of hockey in Streatham. It’s great to see them enjoy the success we’ve had.”

Streatham have a summer break before the league starts again in September.

New player-coach Ben Paynter will take the reins and has already secured the signature of top score Antonov and will announce returnees in due course.