The second annual Manchester Metros varsity game took place this past Tuesday at Silver Blades Altrincham with University of Manchester reclaiming their title in a 5-3 victory over Manchester Metropolitan University using a 3-0 jump in the 1st period to win.After UofM's three breakaway goals in the first frame, it was ultimately a battle of simply outlasting their opposition, MMU. MMU did storm back in the second period to bring the game within a goal at 4-3 with goals from Allen Gunn, Ben Brown, and Victor Graf, but that would be the closest the challenger would get.
MMU did threaten in the 3rd period, but UofM's defence held strong under the direction of Max Drakeley and Kieren De'Ath. The varsity game was a return to the Metros jersey for those away from the team last year such as Drakeley, Alex Thomas, Thomas Revesz, Joe Greaves, Rikk Renshaw, and a few others.
Each roster was graced with players from outside of Great Britain, including Switzerland, Finland, the United States, Canada, and South Africa. Players from other nations always add to the spectacle as it brings light on the different styles of hockey across the globe, reminding us that hockey is a strong international sport.The game was a success from a crowd standpoint as well with an estimated 400 plus coming through the doors. The draw bodes well for future varsities as the sport continues to grow at the university level in the Greater Manchester area.
Manchester Metros A begins their BUIHA campaign on Sunday, 3 November, away to Edinburgh at Murrayfield and the varsity served as a great measure of the potential and strength of the team. Spectators got to see the likes of new players Victor Graf, and Topi Jylha in action, with first tallying a goal in the varsity game.
VARSITY ROSTERSUniversity of Manchester - 41 Jamie Bower, 89 Matt Crouch, 3 Kieren De'Ath, 4 Mike De Paoli, 40 Max Drakeley, 97 Joe Greaves, 78 Topi Jylha, 73 Matt Lowry, 14 Gino Poulin, 67 Thomas Revesz, 72 Matthew Rohani, 20 Tyler Schock, 39 Alex Thomas, 37 Patrick Thomson, 83 Oliver Wallace -- Goalies: 22 Nicole Jackson, 42 Liam Jacques, 25 Robyn Maby.
Manchester Metropolitan University - 5 Ben Brown, 18 Chris Brumby, 35 Jonathan Brumby, 78 Victor Graf, 21 Allen Gunn, 10 Sarah Hutchinson, 2 Cade King, 13 Shayne Langlois, 16 Callum Notman, 17 Adam Perona-Wright, 3 Lee Pollitt, 25 Rikk Renshaw, 8 Ashaan Waithe-Bousquet, 88 Jack Walker, 31 Tom Wilson -- Goalies: 42 Tom McDonald, 43 Phil Pearson.
Links to full photo galleries of the game can be accessed via the Manchester Metros Facebook page.
