LSU Fighting Tigers vs Auburn Game Review Saturday 24th October

After a fortnight off it was time for LSU to get back in action, next up for the Fighting Tigers was Auburn.

First Quarter: LSU were first onto the board when, on a third and 6 20 yard pass from Jefferson to Williams gave LSU field position within the Auburn 10 yard line. After loosing some ground to a third and 13 an Auburn personal foul gace LSU new life at the Auburn 19 yard line. On the resulting play Jefferson oassed a 14 yard touchdown pass to Toliver for the first score of the game. Scores LSU 7-0 with 8min 21sec left in the first quarter. With just 1min 10sec left in the first quarter, on a third and 9 on Auburn's 15 yard line, Jefferson could not find a pass so rushed for his own touchdown. With the extra point LSU lead 14-0 after the first quarter.

Second Quarter: It seemed like the LSU offence had gone to sleep early in the second quarter, with 1min 42sec to play both teams exchanged punts, and LSU took over at the Auburn 36 yard line. After failing to convert one of the following three downs LSU were forced to go for a 32 yard field goal. Jasper was successful and LSU lead 17-0 after the first half.

Third Quarter: LSU pressed hard in the third and were rewarded early. Jefferson found Holliday with a 26 yard pass to the Auburn 17 yard line. The following play Jefferson found LaFell in the endzone for a 17 yard touchdown pass. With 13min 41ec to go LSU lead 24-0. Auburn finally got on the board after scoring a 24 yard field goal. The score from Wes Byrum followed a nine play 53 yard drive, with 9min 21sec to go, scores were 24-3 to LSU. LSU would have the final say in the quarter when Shepard picked up the hand off from Jefferson on the LSU 31 yard line, he then ran for 69 yards to score the touchdown. With just 1min 09sec in the quarter LSU were ahead 31-3

Fourth Quarter: With the game effectively won, the fourth quarter was always going to be quiet. The final score of the game coming with 3 seconds left to play to Auburn. With back up quarter back Neil Caudle on the field he passed for a 1 yard touchdown pass to Lutzenkirchen. The touchdown capping off an eight play 59 yard drive. Final scores LSU 31 Auburn 10.

Attendance: 92,645

Highlights:

Florida Gators vs Mississippi State Game Review Saturday 24th October

After last weeks close win over Arkansas the Gators faced Mississippi State in Starkeville, a win would mean the Gators were now 7 and 0 in the season, a loss was unthinkable!

First Quarter: Despite forcing an interception on Miss fist possession, and driving the ball down to the Miss 20 yard line, Caleb Sturgis was unable to score the resulting 37 yard field goal. Mississippi would take the initiative driving the ball 54 yards and 10 plays to the Gator 43 yard line. Derek DePasquale would score the field goal to give Miss the first points on the board. The Gators responded immediately as Tim Tebow connected with Riley Cooper for a 21 yard pass to set up a first and goal. The Bulldogs defensive line would hold strong and the Gators had to settle for a field goal to even the scores.

Second Quarter: The Bulldogs were held three and out on their next drive giving the Gators the ball on their own 33 yard line. The Gators moved the ball to Bulldogs territory, Tebow then took a snap on the 26 yard line and rushed for a touchdown. This would give the Gators a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter. After the Gators had forced the Bulldogs to another three and out, they drove the ball to the Buldogs 10 yard line but were halted once more. It was up to Sturgis again to tac on some extra points from a 21 yard field goal. Scores now 13-3 to UF with 7min 15sec of the first half remaining. After exchanging punts the Gators were set up for a touchdown attempt. A Tebow pass to the endzone was intercepted by Johnathan Banks who returned the ball 100 yard to cut the Gator lead to 13-10.

Third Quarter: With 9min 23sec left in the Quarter Bulldogs QB Lee passed to Christian Ducre who rushed for a 54 yard gain to set up a field goal attempt. DePasquale would not fail from 31 yards to tie the game at 13 each. On the Gators next possession they advanced the ball downfield to set up Sturgis for a 27 yard attempt. The resulting score would edge the Gators ahead 16-13.

Fourth Quarter: After a failed fake punt from Mississippi the Gators got the ball on the 22 yard line, and Rainey was able to sprint in from eight yards to take the scores to 22-13. With 8min 25sec left in the game, another tipped pass resulted in an interception. Dustin Doe picking up the ball and running for 26 yards for the touchdown. With the extra point secured from Sturgis the score now stood 29-13 to the Gators. Not done yet, Banks intercepted another Tebow pass and returned the ball 21 yards for his second touchdown of the night. The Bulldogs were unable to score the extra point as Chad Bumphis was tackled for a loss on the play.

Attendance: 57,178

Game Highlights:

Phoenix v Slough 25th October Game Review

Sunday saw the first visit of the Slough Jets to the Ice Dome, the only previous meeting being in Slough and a victory for the Jets. The Phoenix came in to this game off the back of a superb 6-0 victory in Basingstoke. A good crowd in the Ice Dome and a very size able contingent from Slough helped create a good atmosphere!

First Period: As you would expect from two teams evenly matched the first period saw no goals, and few clear cut chances. Both goalies starting the game well and both defences cleaning up any rebounds.

Second Period: Crikey well it all kicked off in the second, and, sadly, it looked like the Phoenix just did not come out to play! In the 20 minutes of the second Slough scored 4 un-answered goals to effectively take the game! Throughout the period the Phoenix looked totally inept and bereft of ideas, and the Jets began to run rings round the Phoenix defence and expose Stephen Fone. The first goal for Slough came on the power play at 22min 16sec when Joe Greener scored with the assist going to James Knight. The second came just about a minute later, at 23min 22sec with Blaz Emersic getting his first of the night. Wuth 32min 24sec gone the Jets made it 3-0 with Emersic getting his second. The last goal of the period fell to Peter Poljacek netted at 39min 24sec, and the Phoenix headed off the ice totally dejected!

Third Period: With the damage done in the second all that was left for the Phoenix was to salvage some pride! Your's truly was worried after a 6-0 win the previous night, could we loose 6-0 at home? It didn't look good when Slough extended their lead after 45min 41sec when Ciaran Long netted. With Phoenix heads down, and many in the crowd contemplating an early exit, Ed Courtney briefly lifted spirits score the Phoenix only goal of the game at 46min 46sec with an absolute rocket of a wrister! Slough would bring an end to the scoring, at 52min 11sec Dan Davies would score their 6th of the night!

Verdict: An absolute shocker from the Phoenix, easily the worst performance of the season so far! It comes to something when the Choir boys pack up early! Actually, a special shout out to the boys, for debuting a very large drum! Well done boys!

Attendance: As mentioned earlier a good crowd in last night, 927 in the Dome.

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 1 - Slough 6 - MEN Article......rather short one today!

Florida Gators vs Arkansas Game Review Saturday 17th October

After the fine win against LSU the danger for the Gators was to allow a game to get away from them! Next up for the number 1 ranked Gators was Arkansas, who visited The Swamp. It would be up to the Gators to show that they can deal with the big games and the smaller games!

First Quarter: A fairly quiet quarter as neither side managed to score a point, the Gators just getting going in the first 15 minutes.

Second Quarter: The Gators forced the Razorbacks to two three and out plays and a punt to start the second quarter. Despite this pressure it was Arkansas who would score the first touchdown of the game. A Tebow fumble late in the first quarter gave Arkansas great field position, and with just 14min 47sec to go in the quarter, sophmore Broderick Green carried for a one yard TD. Two more fumbles from the Gators would suggest UF had LSU hangover! But a 30 yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis capped off a five play 20 yard drive and got Florida on the board. The next Arkansas possession yielded their own field goal to stretch the scores to 10-3. Alex Tejada scored a 22 yard goal.

Third Quarter: The Gators scored first in the second half, when Sturgis scored a monster 51 yard field goal, the longest 50 plus yard attempt since 2004. Things started to turn for the Gators when a 40 yard field goal attempt for Tejada on Arkansas' first possession missed the uprights! The Gators moved into the lead with a 77 yard pass from Tebow to Thompson putting the Gators 13-10 ahead. The Razorbacks levelled the game 13 a piece when Tejada scored a 31 yard field goal.

Fourth Quarter: Arkansas were determined to make the Gators work for the win, when they forced the Gators to punt in their possession. This pushed the Razorbacks to their own 13 yard line. What followed was a superb 87 yard drive, capped off with a 75 yard touchdown pass from Ryan Mallet to Greg Childs, this gave them a 20-13 lead withs 9min 40sec left in the game. It took only 2min13sec for the Gators to respond, when Jeff Demps found the endzone with his fifth rushing touchdown of the seaon with a 10 yard dash. With 3min 08sec left Tejada missed a 38 yard field goal attempt, this turned the ball over to the Gators on their own 21 yard line. Tebow the completed 3 passes to Riley Cooper and two passes as the Gators marched down the field to allow Sturgis to score a 27 yard game winning field goal. Final scores 23-20 to Florida.

Attendance: 90,508

Game Highlights:

Phoenix v Basingstoke 18th September Game Review

Last sunday saw the first visit to the Ice Dome of the Bison this season, not the first time as both teams have dueled on many occasions in the EIHL. It was also a battle of two of the top teams in the EPL and a good chance for each side to measure themselves against similar opponents. For both teams sunday's game was a good chance to bounce back after sustaining losses the previous night. The Phoenix having lost to Slough and with most of the team suffering from the flu, it was to be 'challenging' match.

First Period: It was the Bison who came out flying, the Phoenix looking very tired and lethargic. It was no surprise when the Bison got themselves on the scoreboard first. Andy Hemmings got the scoring underway after 5min 18sec to silence the home support. It was to get worse for the Phoenix when Hemmings was on hand to score his second of the night at 11min 14sec. This seemed to stir the Phoenix and after 14min 47sec the Phoenix reduced the arrears, though a superb back hand goal. The Bison restored their two goal lead with just 9 sec left in the period, as Sam Zajac scored past Stephen Fone.

Second Period: The fightback began in the second for the Phoenix, almost jolted into action after a terrible first period. Adam Walker scored his second of the night after 23min 54sec, joy restored. But no the Bison struck back less than two minutes later through Joe Ciccarello at 25min 22sec. The rather depressed Phoenix faithful were stunned into joy when Tony Hand scored, yes you read that correctly Tony Hand scored! With 27min 47sec the Phoenix were back within one goal of the Bison.

Third Period: More of the same needed from the Phoenix, now showing some commendable fighting spirit. Ed Courtney would tie the scores after 50min 12sec to give the home support something to cheer for. Hearts were then crushed when Ciccarello popped up again to restore the Bison lead, scoring at 55min 19sec. Up until now Ian Bowie had been having a quiet game, all that changed when he scored the game tying goal at 57min 32sec, the Phoenix faithful now sensing something! More pressure from the Phoenix followed but neither team could produce a winning score.

Overtime: With a point secured, and to be honest a point that the Phoenix didn't necessarily deserve from their performance as a whole! 4 on 4 for 5 minutes was on the cards before penalties! Things seemed to go well for the Phoenix when the Bison took a slashing penalty, giving the Phoenix a 4 on 3 opportunity. After moving the puck around the Bison zone well, Mattsson parked on Annetts in goal, a shot from the blue line from Courtney was tipped by Mattsson for the game winning goal!

Verdict: The Phoenix were not good last night, the flu bug had obviously taken alot out of the team. The Bison were superb and showed why they are up the top of the league. But a win is a win and prevented the Phoenix from suffering back to back losses! Hopefully with a fully fit team, the Phoenix can resume normal service!

Attendance: Better than expected and a larger crowd that came for the Scimitars game the previous weekend. 977 in the Dome!

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 6 Bison 5 - MEN Article.

LSU Fighting Tigers vs Florida Gators Game Review Saturday 11th October

This was the biggie, LSU vs Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium, really the game both sides had been itching to get to! Forget all previous games, they were just warm ups! In front of a record crowd in Baton Rouge the No.1 and No.4 ranked teams would go head to head. The prize, season long bragging rights and an extension to their perfect season!

First Quarter: The game was not to start well for LSU, the Gators defence forced LSU to punt the ball on its first drive of the game. Sophomore kicker Sturgis scored the first points of the game at 8min 11sec with a 28 yard field goal. This capped off a 13 play 82 yard drive. This was to be the only score of the first quarter.

Second Quarter: LSU were next on the board, a failed 4th down for the Gators gave the ball to LSU, who then embarked on their own 77 yard drive to the Gators 18 yard line. Then with 12min 08 left in the quarter Jasper scored the field goal to tie the game at 3. The Gators, not to be outdone, then responded with an 80 yard touchdown drive, finished with a 24 yard pass from Tebow to Riley Cooper. That put the Gators 10-3 up with 50sec left in the half. Sadly for LSU, the resulting possession ended with an interception from junior cornerback Joe Haden halting the LSU drive.

Third Quarter: The Gators missed a 25 yard field goal in the third quarter, which was to be a little slower compared to the first half!

Fourth Quarter: Sturgis would then put the only points of the second half on the board for the Gators. An 11 play 44 yard drive was capped by a 32 yard field goal would give the Gators a 13-3 lead with 7min 27sec left in the game. The Gators defence then held firm in the face of the LSU offence and the deafening Tiger fans.

Attendance: 93,129 a record for Tiger Stadium

Highlights:




If anyone knows a good source for regular video highlights, could you email The Angry Budgie and let me know?

So a fine win for The Gators, in a keenly contested match!

Phoenix v Sheffield 10th October Game Review

So an unusual saturday home game for the Phoenix, saw the visit of the Sheffield Scimitars, their umpteenth game against the Phoenix so far this season! A game which would be too close to call, I like to benchmark the Phoenix against the Scims, and the games never disappoint!

First Period: The Phoenix got off to the best start possible with their two high-flying Brits putting them two goals to the good. First up was Ian Bowie who shot from the left wing past Raitanen in the Scims goal, first goal timed at 5min 49sec. Next up Rob Lachowicz doubled the advantage after 15min 45sec when he picked up a loose puck in the Sheffield zone. In, what must have been planned, Ian Bowie capped off a pulsating first period by dropping the gloves with the Scims Rob Farmer, it was Farmer who won that fight. The last incident of the first saw the Scims pull one goal back through Tom Squires at 17min 32sec.

Second Period: After the first period going to the Phoenix, the second was all Sheffield. The Scims upped the pressure and were soon rewarded with the equalizing goal coming at 25min 15sec through Matt Haywood. With the home support becoming uneasy with the Scims pressure, the Dome fell silent when Sheffield took the lead at 27min 07sec. The period was to end with the Phoenix blanked and the scores 3-2 to Sheffield.

Third Period: Make or break period for the Phoenix, the second period wake up worked and the Phoenix came out with their own pressure. The Phoenix finally levelled the game at 45min 01sec when Adam Walker deflected an Ed Courtney shot and the home fans were delighted. In what was to become a bit of a see-saw period of the game Sheffield restored their advantage after 53min 44sec through the excellent James Archer. The Phoenix finally asserted their supremacy and won the game with a superb 3 minute spell! First up, Tony Hand got on the score sheet (shock horror I know!) after slotting the puck home, timed 56min 15sec. Then at 59min 09sec the one man you would love to have 3 feet from the net, Ed Courtney, was left all alone to make it 5-4. In the dying seconds, Sheffield pulled Raitanen for the extra skater, only to mess up the change and have the face off back in their own zone. Sheffield then surged forward into the Phoenix zone, only for Tony Hand to pick up a loose puck and score the empty netter. Timed 59min 54sec to send the fans home happy! It was a sad ending to the game though, on the last goal I was sad to look across and see a Phoenix fan celebrating and taunting the Sheffield fans. This is not acceptable and something we do not see at Phoenix games! We are proud to have some of the best fans in hockey and the actions of this idot are a real shame! For a further comment on the game head on over to The Pyre to read up what Rob though!

Verdict: A close game that could have gone either way, Sheffield are a very good team, but a team the Phoenix should beat on their own ice.

Attendance: Not helped by the rugby final at Old Trafford, it seems a good proportion of Phoenix fans are rugby fans too. But a good crowd creating a great atmosphere! Probably around 960 in the Dome.

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 6 Sheffield 4 - MEN Article

The Phoenix were in away action to Peterborough sunday night, capping off a great weekend the Phoenix skated out with the points. You can read all about it here.

LSU Fighting Tigers vs Georgia Game Review Saturday 03rd October

With the Gators not playing last weekend the only game for The Angry Budgie was LSU v Georgia in Athens, this pitted the fighting tigers against number 18 ranked Georgia.

First Quarter: A tight opening quarter saw both teams trading punts, with neither getting into a position to score. Thankfully for the fighting Tigers the only score was to come for LSU, on a second and goal from the 5 yard line, Jefferson found Scott but the LSU running back was unable to break into the end zone. This left Jasper to score a 23 yard field goal, with just 3min 51sec left in the first quarter.

Second Quarter: More a replication of the first quarter, both teams trading field position with no score to show! Again LSU were the only team to score in the quarter, after 10min 55sec. LSU called a timeout and Jasper kicked the resulting 42 yard field goal. The first half gone and the scores were 6-0 to LSU.

Third Quarter: No score in the third quarter, Georgia unable to break through the LSU wall.

Fourth Quarter: Georgia wasted no time in the third to take their first lead of the game. With Georgia pressing the LSU defence held firm to stop three plays on their own goal line. But it was fourth time lucky for Georgia, when Cox faked a hand off and passed for a one yard touchdown. With the extra point Georgia lead 7-6 with 14min 15sec to go. LSU would re-take the lead after a facemask penalty on Georgria would give LSU a first and goal at the 4 yard line. Scott then dived over the left guard to give LSU a lead of 12-7 with 2min 53sec left. Georgia were not done yet, a great 49 yard pass from Cox to King put Georgia at the LSU 16. Two plays later and another pass Chris Hawkins scored a touchdown to put Georgia in the lead 13-12 with 1min 09sec to play. LSU were to break Georgia hearts, with just 46sec to play. On a second and 6 Scott broke the line of scrimmage and past the Georgia secondary to score a 33 yard touchdown, this gave LSU a 20-13 win.

Attendance: 92,746 at Sanford Stadium.

LSU TigerTV Highlights:


So a tight win for LSU which also keeps their perfect season, as are the Gators! But one win loose theirs on October 10th when LSU take on The Gators at Tiger Stadium!

Hold on to your hats everyone!

Phoenix v Romford 04th October Game Review

Sunday's game saw the first visit of the Raiders to the Ice Dome, having not won any of their previous games I hoped the Phoenix would not be their first! The previous night saw the Phoenix travel to Swindon for a potentially tricky away game. Thankfully the Phoenix turned it on and skated away with a fine 5-1 victory. On to sunday nights game.....

First Period: Rather uncharacteristically the Phoenix got into the scoring ways with a power play goal! Shock horror! It was to come with 2min 13sec gone in the game and with Payette and Walker combining to set up Greg Wood on the far post for the score. More surprise was to follow when the Phoenix added to the earlier score with another PP goal. This time with 6min 01sec gone Ian Bowie with his first of the game piling on the misery for Romford. With the Raiders offering little by way of offensive force the Phoenix scored their third of the period, When with 12min 55sec gone Robert Lachowicz scored his first of the game.

Second Period: After the blitz of goals in the first period the Phoenix chose to rest Steve Fone and let Adam Summerfield play the remaining two periods. The Phoenix had noticeably eased up in the game, as the second saw only one goal. Again for the Phoenix, scored at 21min 10sec, Hagelberg fround Ian Bowie who scored his second of the game.

Third Period: Sensing the will of the Raiders just about gone the Phoenix pressed home their advantage. Three minutes after Mattsson had rung the post Adam Walker broke his duck and scored his first of the season, coming after 43min 32sec. Ed Courtney showed once again his silky skills and accuracy, scoring the Phoenix sixth after 46min 22sec, with a wicked shot through the 5 hole. The best goal was saved for the last, after 49min 50sec the Phoenix put the game to bed, when Roberth Lachowicz went the length of the ice to score a fantastic goal!

Verdict: A much better performance from the Phoenix, the full effect hidden by Romford being so poor! Also another game where the Phoenix Brit's shone! Even though it was a fairly simple game, the Phoenix still had a team in front of them!

Attendance: 1,000 in the Dome.

Phoenix TV Highlights:


Phoenix 7 Romford 0 - MEN Article

EPL Season Playlist - First Edition

Right over the past week or so I've been thinking about doing another musical themed hockey post, and a couple of tracks came to mind that could be quite appropriate! There will hopefully be a few of these posts as we head through the season so consider this the start of something this season! Following in from a Five Minute Major, Breakaway British Hockey Blog and TAB's first attempt, this post will see some obvious choices and some not so obvious choices!

So without further ado onto the music......

1) One Minute Silence - Fish Out of Water

'Some you win some you loose....the fish are out of water'



This one came to me rather randomly recently, this song was the single reason I bought the album. Cracking tune and, during my time at uni was a favourite on the rock club dance floor! On a hockey front, the lyrics cant be more apt, the tale of a hockey season, games you'll win and games you'll loose!

2) Saliva - Ladies & Gentlemen

'Like nothing you've ever seen before, watch closely as I open this door, your jaws will be on the floor, after this you'll be begging for more'



The theme tune to the Phoenix entry video in previous seasons, and an absolutely perfect song. The lyrics are appropriate (as any first time hockey visitor would attest too) and a real heavy tune. Easy to clap to, and a tune so perfect that since the Phoenix have dropped it for this season, a 15 page thread appears on the forums about the choice of tune! The appearance of which, Rob over at The Pyre commented on recently!

3) Journey - Dont Stop Believing

'Don't stop believing, hold onto that feeling'



The thinking for this song stem's from a quotation at the foot of the Phoenix website, from MD Neil Morris:

'If you believe in a dream for long enough it becomes reality - Neil Morris - April 2003'

With all the crap and heartache Phoenix fans have been through you really cant stop believing!

4) Children of Bodom - In Your Face



'Say one, more word, I double-dare you, BRING IT ON, Its my world, you're in it, It'll take you down in a minute'

Read those lyrics and you cant not think of hockey, pure aggression and fight. Two things which are very important the moment you step out onto the ice! It also illustrates how quickly you can go from dominating a game to complete humiliation! Better take care out there boys 'n' girls!

5) Biffy Clyro - That Golden Rule



No real reason for having this tune in the list, except for its epicness, forget the first half of the song just go straight to the last half and enjoy!

So that's it for today, hope you like the tunes, feel free to comment!