SOLIHULL Barons returned to Hobs Moat after a month without action to edge Solway Sharks 5-4 in the Moralee Division.
The Barons were ahead within the opening minutes, when Elliot Perin slotted a rebound from Luke Brittle’s shot during a powerplay, but Sharks bit back with a powerplay goal of their own through Steven Moore.
Adam Brittle resumed Solihull’s lead mid-way through the first frame, the final goal of the period despite pressure being applied by both sides – Sharks notably striking the pipework.
Solway camped inside Solihull’s half pushing for an equaliser, which eventually paid dividends when Barons conceded a penalty and a powerplay goal to Stuart Kerr.
Within a couple of minutes, Solihull had a powerplay of their own, playing the ball around to find Richard Crowe unmarked who made it 3-2 going into the final period.
Niklas Ottosson then gave Solihull a cushion, just a minute after the puck drop, backhanding into the net after drawing the puck over the crease.
Andy Whitehouse converted from Elliott Farrell’s pass to put Barons 5-2 up – though Peter Gapa’s goal indicated the game was not finished by any stretch.
Joe Coulter capitalised on a powerplay to make it 5-4 with five minutes to play, and sent their netminder forward looking for a leveller.
They thought that had snuck a fifth, but the goal was waved off with players in the goal crease, letting Barons off the hook as they held on for victory.
Solihull conclude their league season away to Telford Tigers on Sunday (6pm), a side also battling for a play-off ranking, after hosting Blackburn Hawks on Saturday (5:15pm).
