Telford Tigers win twice after losing 23 games
"It was like play-off hockey" – that's the assessment of Telford Tigers coach Tom Watkins after his side returned to winning ways in spectacular style.
A 4-3 victory over Slough Jets on Saturday evening was followed by a breathless 3-1 success at home to title-chasing Basingstoke Bison on Sunday, writes James Shaw.
Those wins ended a 23-game losing streak as Telford delivered on the promise of previous weeks, with their first points since November.
Watkins said: "The last time we won, it was a four-point weekend. We played really hard and had a lot of focus.
"It was like play-off hockey – we battled in the trenches and got the job done. From front to back, everybody played well and with a lot of heart."
Tim Burrows (2), Jaroslav Kruzic and Juraj Senko were on the mark in Berkshire as Telford gained revenge for a home defeat at the end of last month.
Sunday's encounter was another fiercely competitive affair, with the Tigers having to launch an intense rearguard action in the third period.
But following earlier goals from Tomas Karpov and Scott McKenzie, a late strike by Callum Bowley delivered a long-awaited home win.
"Whenever we pick up a win it feels like a big occasion," Watkins added.
"So to get a four-point weekend, it is like winning a cup for our guys.
"Our fans were making a lot of noise and there was a decent crowd in, so I'm pleased for them as well.
"There were a lot of positive comments going into the game, and it was nice to back them up with a home win. It can be hard to win here, with the small ice pad, so it is always sweet to come out on top."
Telford will be hoping to continue their winning run next weekend, when they make the return trip to Basingstoke on Saturday, before a clash with Swindon Wildcats on Sunday.
