Riffs hold on to defeat Warriors

Two first-half goals were enough for Riffs to claim a 2-1 victory over Warriors in week three of the UGSHA’s men’s A-grade.

Matt Knott opened the scoring for the night in the first period for Riffs, before Rhys Angwin extended his side’s lead to 2-0 in the second.

Warriors wasted a genuine attempt at goals with only minutes left on the clock in the first half, but could not convert, going into half-time trailing by two goals.

After half-time Warriors picked up their pace, but could not make their way through Riffs’ defence despite two strong pushes forward.

An unsuccessful Riffs penalty corner halfway through the third term changed the game’s momentum.

Riffs kept the ball pressed in their forward half for the back half of the third period, but could not find goal number three.

Warriors were lively again after the final break, desperately trying to make their presence felt on the scoreboard.

A fierce penalty corner was held out by Riffs’ defence, but shortly after Shaun McKay finally made the breakthrough for Warriors, converting a shot just inside the shooting circle.

It was not enough, however, as Riffs held on to the win.

Riffs’ Grady Francis, Kendall Ballard and Brock Francis were all outstanding.

Nick Corner, Chris Allen and Max Evans put in strong performances for Warriors.