DEFENDING champions Swindon Flames opened the new season in the BiSHA South League with a thrilling success over Ash Avalanche at Farnborough Leisure Centre.

The first period began with early Swindon pressure but with no clear chances being created by either side.

Brett Massey started in goal for Swindon and comfortably dealt with the Avalanche pressure.

The deadlock was finally broken after a quick interchange between Robert Bean and Tristan Ward left the Ash netminder stranded as Ward tapped in from close range to give Swindon a 1-0 lead with 12 minutes on the clock.

Avalanche almost caught Swindon cold from the restart and eventually equalised with Swindon over stretched at the back after a line change to leave the score 1-1 at the end of the first period.

The second period began with Ash pressing Swindon and it needed a good close range save by Massey to keep the score level.

Swindon responded well and the Ash netminder managed to hold on to the ball after a pile up at the Avalanche net.

Swindon regained the lead with three minutes gone in the second period when Ward pounced on a loose ball after an interception by Richard Wilson mid rink.

Harry Llewellyn gave Swindon breathing space with a long shot then shortly afterwards Bean pounced on the ball in front of the net to leave Swindon 4-1 ahead with four minutes to play.

Ash immediately called a timeout to regroup and the tactic worked when a long shot from the restart made the score 4-2.

Ash continued to press and pulled another goal back after a deflected shot found its way into Swindon’s net. A fine double save by Massey and last ditch defending saw Swindon close the game out and finish 4-3 winners.