By Simon Church
The GalxC Cooling Services sponsored Basingstoke Bison will be in National League action this coming weekend, on Saturday they are at home to Swindon Wildcats, while the following day is an away fixture against Telford Tigers.
On Saturday evening we welcome the Wildcats to the Silverdome, face off is 6.30pm.
Swindon currently occupy 3rd place in the league, with 5 wins from 7 games giving them 11 points.
It comes as no surprise to see their Player/Coach Aaron Nell leading the Wildcats’ league scoring with 16pts (6+10), Bálint Pákozdi on 10 pts (3+7) is the next best.
The net minding duties have been shared between Renny Marr (90.6%) and former Bison, Dean Skinns (94.9%). With those stats it’s easy to see why Wildcats have the meanest defence in the league.
Sunday’s road trip to Shropshire, where the face off is 6.00pm, will be the Bison’s third visit to Telford this season with each team winning one of the previous two.
Tigers are the leagues form team, with 6 wins from 8 games and currently sit in 2nd place, just one point behind leaders Sheffield Steeldogs.
Captain Jason Silverthorn leads the way when it comes to scoring with 17 pts (10+7), Scott McKenzie 14pts (4+10) and Rick Plant 12pts (2+10) provide valuable support, while also showing there’s no substitute for experience.
Brad Day (92.8%) and Jordan Lawday (88.6%) share Telford’s net minding duties, the duo form part of a defence with an average age of 25, without GB legend Jonathon Weaver, this would be 23.
Another tough pair of fixtures for the Bison to overcome, naturally Ash will have the team well prepared for both.
Fingers crossed last weekend’s absentees will be cleared to return to the lineup, as the Herd look to ensure last Saturday’s performance against the Bees is not a one off.
