Bombers vow.

Byline: Andy Baxter

Billingham manager Allen Flavell has promised Teesside ice hockey fans a "bigger, better Bombers side" next season.

After landing the English National Ice Hockey League (North) title and qualifying for the Northern League play-offs in 2006, the Bombers have endured a less successful season this year.

The Teessiders finished rock bottom of the Northern League, losing 18 out of 20 fixtures, and in seventh place in the ten team English National Ice Hockey League (North).

Bombers manager Allen Flavell admitted it's been a rough campaign and has been quick to praise his side's loyal Forum fans.

He said: "It has been a difficult season to be an ice hockey fan on Teesside and we have had a difficult time since the festive break.

"I would like to thank the growing fan base that have stayed loyal at home, and away, and assure them we will be looking to ice a bigger, better Bombers side next season."

Bombers signed off their 2007 season with a derby clash with Whitley Warriors.

The North-east showdown saw Bombers twice take the lead before losing 9(6.

Whitley opened their account three minutes in as Karl Culley put away a behind-the-net pass from Andy Carter.

Bombers' top point scorer Scott Ward drew the sides level as he applied a tip to a Paul Windridge blast from the slot to close the first all-square at 1-1. Ward had a hand in Billingham's second as he slotted the puck to Ricky Box, who was skating in hard and lifted the pill into the roof of the net.

Box hit his second four minutes later when an inch-perfect Scott Ward pass released Ricky and Hehir.

Two-on-one with the option of shooting or passing, Box dummied before releasing a blistering shot into the roof of the goal.

Then Warriors' Peter Zajac netted on a breakaway to tie the game. Whitley skipper Simon Leech steered his side to a one goal advantage heading into the third session.

Warriors were quick off the mark as Pete Zajac netted his second less than two minutes into the third. Carl Culley took the Warriors' haul to six, assisted by Simon Leech. Then a brace from the Whitley captain, under a minute apart, put the Warriors in control.

Bombers reduced the deficit as Anthony Price cut into the Warriors crease and fired home unassisted.

With Bombers on the power play, Ward hit his second, assisted by Fletcher and Box.

Bombers' Hehir stoked Billingham hopes as he pushed the puck home to bring the Bombers within two goals of the opposition.

With two minutes left, Bombers coach Terry Ward pulled his keeper to gain an out field advantage. His side kept control but could not find a way through the Whitley defence.

Warriors Carl Culley broke free, with possession, before firing into the empty Bombers net to seal his hat-trick and a 9(6 victory.

Bombers points scorers: Scott Ward 2 + 3, Ricky Box 2 + 2, Simon Hehir 1 + 1, Anthony Price 1 + 0, Paul Windridge 0 + 1, Andy Fletcher 0 + 1.

Bombers line up against Whitley: Stuart Gibbon, James McCabe, Scott Ward, Phillip Pritchard, Ricky Box, Andrew Tindale, Scott Harrison, Chris Outhwaite (n/m), Mike McKenna, Andy Thornton, Paul Windridge (Capt), Andy Fletcher, Gareth Hughes, Simon Hehir, Jamie Parrish, Anthony Price, Darren Carroll, Ben Davison, Rory Dunn (n/m).

* Bombers' manager Allen Flavell is spearheading a campaign to secure sponsorship for Teesside's only senior ice hockey side. Any firms or individual wishing to be involved in supporting ice hockey at Billingham next season should call Allen on 01740 631129.