Leeds Knights' Fans' Jury: NIHL National leaders prove they mix it up physically when needed - but match officials must do better

Find out what or Knights panel of Jim Piper and Johnathan Greenwood thought of it below.

Jim Piper, Manchester: The Knights continued their unbeaten run in the league with a four-point weekend against Basingstoke. The weekend was not without its difficulties as Leeds came up against a tough, physical side. Saturday’s game was end to end with the penalty kill unit for both teams putting in an outstanding display. The Knights took the points with two third-period goals and made the long journey home in great spirits.

Sunday was different in that Bison came to physically intimidate instead of using a game-plan that mostly worked the previous evening. Unfortunately, as I have said on occasions, the officials failed to protect the players resulting in retaliations and scuffles all night. Fortunately, skill prevailed and four good goals made the points safe for the home side.

I am not against physical play. That is part of the game we love and the large crowd were entertained by events. However, officials need to take stock and control the game from the outset. I feel that did not happen on Sunday.

The Knights were no angels either but they had no choice but to match fire with fire and the lads proved that they could mix it with any team that comes ‘The Castle’ and plays in that fashion.

My comments are in no way intended to disrespect officials as their commitment to the game week in week out is admirable. I just felt on Sunday they did not have the best of games. As always, just my opinion.

Johnathan Greenwood, Halifax: The stage is set for a perfect 10. Leeds head into their face-off with fellow fast starters Milton Keynes as the only unbeaten side left after the Lightning were downed by Swindon Wildcats 4-2 on Saturday night.

The league leaders stepped off the coach and onto the ice the same evening for the first 60 of their double-header with Basingstoke and, despite the long trip, were right into the task.

It wasn’t easy to assert and took until early in second for either side to find the net - Lewis Baldwin opening his account for 22/23, reacting quickest to a Matt Haywood shot.

The defensive work from the Knights was impressive throughout and lasted until 44:27 when Zack Milton managed to break Sam Gospel’s barrier and level up on the turnover.

The key breakthrough came with just over six minutes left, Grant Cooper proving his worth once again with a fearsome delivery of the puck through bodies and past Alex Mettam. The Bison then had to push for the equaliser and the Knights claimed an empty net goal as the clock ran down.

The return on Sunday was a game of feeling. The refs called on 26 plays for a total of 77 penalty minutes as both sides played tough.

Adam Barnes had the crowd cheering inside the first five minutes after Dylan Hehir weaved his way in front and left #88 with an easy finish.

As the battle heated up Leeds continued to be tested, however, eventually pegged back on the powerplay when George Norcliffe squeezed his shot between Gospel and the pipe.

Import duo Grant Cooper and Zach Brooks combined neatly mid-game to re-establish a lead, before Cooper himself broke away with 08:02 left in the third to find a way past Jordan Lawday with the Knights shorthanded.

Carter Hamill finished off the Hampshire outfit with a lifted effort at 57:25 to see the game end 4-1.

Next up, Friday night Lightning. This one should be a cracker - and possibly just as challenging as the school holidays.