Big crowd expected as the Jets fly in to town (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Big crowd expected as the Jets fly in to town

8:00am Saturday 6th March 2010 in

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HAVING climbed to fourth spot in the English Premier League last weekend, the Bison face a tough test if they want to stay there because second placed Slough Jets fly into town this Saturday.

So far this season honours have been even between these bitter local rivals, but when they were last in Basingstoke, Slough lost 3-0, as netminder Tom Annetts inspired his side to victory.

On that night, the Bison grounded the Jets’ big scoring line of Blaz Emersic and Peter Poljacek and they will need to that again on Saturday, once the action gets under way at 6.30pm.

It is sure to be a crunch clash and the biggest crowd of the season is expected to pack into the Basingstoke Arena to watch it.

Bison player/coach Steve Moria said: “Games between us and Slough have been close affairs all season and this one will be no different. We will have to play strong defensively and take our chances in what will be an intense game.”

Moria added: “Losing Joe Ciccarello to injury has lost us a goal and a half a game, but we are still winning and Nicky Chinn’s three goals last weekend were crucial.”

Both sides will be in action before Saturday’s showdown. The Herd extended their home winning streak to 12 games on Wednesday night beating leaders Milton Keynes Lightning 3-2 after a penalty shoot-out.

Slough were in action last night in the second-leg of their EPL Cup semi-final with Guildford, looking to overturn a 4-2 reverse in the first game.

On Sunday night, Basingstoke have a tricky away trip to local rivals Bracknell Bees, looking to complete a clean sweep over their Berkshire rivals.

This game will once again will see the top two goal scorers in the league, Ondrej Lauko and Jaroslav Cesky, go head-to-head.

Looking ahead to the second local derby of the weekend, Moria said: “Bracknell are winning hockey games and want to take that eighth place. The Bees have been quite a success story considering all the |problems before the season and I think the fans are enjoying watching a team with a really good work ethic.

“This is going to be a tough game and we know where the dangers lie and have to make sure we get a result there.”

One player who will not be in the Herd line-up for the rest of the season is British forward Scott Spearing.

Moria said: “It has been a difficult year for Scott with his injury, working 10 to 12 hours a day.

“He also has a new baby and being out five nights a week he is away from his family so he had decided to miss the rest of the year.

“It is disappointing as he could be a critical cog in the wheel, being the side’s tenth forward, but I understand his decision and wish Scotty well.”