Ice-hockey: Streatham reach NIHL South 1 play-off final

Streatham RedHawks will face Slough Jets in the NIHL South 1 play-off final at Ice Sheffield on Saturday after a 10-2 aggregate win over Chelmsford Chieftains last weekend, writes Christopher Beal.

The victor will then take on North 1 opposition – either Blackburn Hawks or Billingham Stars on Sunday.

Streatham had a 7-1 lead from the away first leg of their fixture against Chelmsford with Danny Ingoldsby (three), Luke Brittle (two), Ben Paynter and Ryan Watt scoring.

RedHawks’ JJ Pitchley was sent to the box for interference in the second period of Sunday’s home leg but this big penalty kill shifted the momentum with Josh Ealey-Newman and Roman Cathcart making it 2-0 on the night.

Ingoldsby appled the finish in the 38th minute with Streatham unable to take advantage of a numerical advantage after Grant Bartlett was given a tripping penalty.

Sam Russell bagged a consolation for Chieftains.

Head coach Paynter said: “The better team won, simple as that.

“We were consistent all weekend. We were disciplined in our systems.

“We were clinical when we needed to be and overall it was a really good weekend. We knew we had to shut them down, and they have top guys that are dangerous.

“We eliminated them and it got us the job done.”