Event: Bristol and West Cup
Teams: Swindon Dolphin -v- Frome
Venue: Milton Road
Date: 20th October 2013
A thrilling 15 – 13 victory over Frome saw Swindon Dolphin progress to the final of the Bristol & West KO Cup where they will meet either Newton Abbot or Cheltenham II.
Dolphin were virtually at full strength for almost the first time this season with Ian Brewer, Dan Dixon, Mark Lawlor and David Quinlivan all returning following absences. Just Jack Plumb was missing following a football injury. Starting two goals down due to the handicapping system, a frantic opening spell from Dolphin saw the home side dominate the early stages but snatched shots and needlessly conceded possession was punished as Frome opened the scoring to increase the lead. Matt James and Andy Strong reduced the arrears as Dolphin settled before a further goal from Frome matched by a long range effort from Ian Brewer which completed the scoring in the first quarter with Dolphin still trailing by two.
Strong words in the break reaped immediate benefit as Dolphin made an impressive start to the second period and goals from Chris Selby, Michal Trzeciak and Strong in response to a single strike from Frome levelled the scores. But the improvement was short loved and sloppy play led to three unanswered goals from Frome and left the visitors well in control at the half way point.
More strong words saw Dolphin again start the period strongly but this time the improvement was maintained. In defence David Quinlivan was strong on the centre forward and Frome’s drive players were well marked by Fraser Durston, Dan Dixon, Mark Lawlor and Lambros Glavopoulos. The attack was much more penetrative with Hicks supporting James and proving a real handful for the Frome defenders. Hard press and clinical finishing lead to Dolphin winning the quarter by six goals to one. Selby and Trzeciak both netted twice with James and Strong completing the scoring in a scintillating eight minutes.
Going into the final quarter with a two goal lead Dolphin held their nerve and never allowed Frome to close the gap. Goals from Quinlivan, James and Trzeciak cancelled out three strikes from their Wiltshire opponents to see Dolphin safely through to the final.
Captain Andy Hicks took a realistic view of the game. “Overall the performance wasn’t our best of the season, however the end result has been achieved and that is what matters. Every single member of the squad played their part,” continued Hicks, “and this was a true team performance. I was pleased at how we bounced back after some poor periods of play.”
Final Score Swindon Dolphin 15 Frome 13
Team: David Quinlivan (1 Goal), Chris Selby (3 Goals), Andy Hicks (2 Majors), Will Smith (1 Major), Andy Strong (3 Goals), Michal Trzeciak (4 Goals), Ian Brewer (1 Goal), Matt James (3 Goals), Dan Dixon, Mark Lawlor (1 Major), Lambros Glavopoulos (1 Major), Fraser Durston.
