Tom Watkins admits Telford Tigers were second best

Tigers were beaten 4-0 by Basingstoke Bison in the NIHL Final Four play-off final yesterday.

Watkins’ side were crowned Northern champions a week ago and defeated Peterborough Phantoms in Saturday’s semi-final.

But they found Bison, who beat Sheffield Steeldogs to reach the final, too strong to handle.

“Basingstoke were worthy winners and outplayed us,” admitted Watkins.

“They started the game hungrier, faster and won all their battles. Next thing you know you’re 2-0 down at the end of the first period and then you have to chase the game.

“People say we didn’t get any bounces but we didn’t earn any either. Congratulations to them.”

“It’s not how we wanted to end the season but I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the players and staff for all their efforts.

I’d like to thank the fans, we couldn’t get it done but their support has been appreciated all season.”

Tigers started the game on the back foot and Macaulay Halford took a trip to the penalty box for kneeing.

Just 14 seconds into the power play, Kurt Reynolds tipped Roman Malinki’s shot past Denis Bell into the Tigers goal.

Basingstoke’s slick passing was causing problems for the Tigers as Bell was called into action on numerous occasions. Tigers’ luck was out as their best chance of the period saw Corey Goodison’s shot strike the post. Basingstoke added a second in the 17th minute when Aaron Connolly’s wrist shot beat Bell low into the net.

The second period started badly after Jason Silverthorn took a high sticking penalty and Josh Smith scored to make it 3-0.

As Tigers tried to get back into the game, they were caught out again as Ivan Antonov broke away to score.

The third period saw Silverthorn and Jonathan Weaver go close but Bison saw the game out.