SWINDON Flames Youth manager Chris Rose said he was "really proud" of his team as they finished eighth in the British Inline Skater Hockey Association National Championships, in Rotherham.

Flames Youth battled it out with 11 other teams for the title and the chance to represent Great Britain at next year's IIHSF European Championships.

Swindon Flames started against tournament hosts Norton Cyclones, but suffered a heavy 9-1 defeat, with Connor MacKenzie scoring.

However, they bounced back in the next game and Jamie Baker's blistering shot gave Flames a 1-0 victory, earning second spot in the group and a place in the quarter-finals.

They faced Reading Rhinos in the quarter-finals and were three down at half-time.

The second period followed much the same pattern, and despite a late goal from captain Hannah Archer, the Rhinos ran out convincing 9-1 winners.

Day two of the championships saw Swindon Flames take on West Coast Wasps, and despite an early penalty save by Swindon netminder Adam Rose, the Wasps went on to record a 7-0 victory.

It meant Flames Youth came up against Brighton Street Stormers in a seventh and eighth place play-off.

Swindon Flames took the lead courtesy of Jamie Baker's strike, but Brighton equalised early in the second period and the match went to extra-time. With neither side able to break the deadlock and the game heading towards a penalty shoot-out, the Stormers staged a last-ditch attack and managed to grab the winner.

Manager Rose said: "It's been a great championship and we're all really proud of our team's performance throughout the tournament.

"The standard of this year's competition has been really high, so just to have qualified to take part in the championship is quite an achievement in itself.

"And to finish in the country's top 10 is something that the players, coaches and everybody at the club can be very proud of."

DUE to increasing popularity, Swindon Flames are holding trials at the end of November for new players from under 12 to senior level.

The Flames are hoping to field two Peewee teams, a youth side, two junior teams and a senior outfit next season and are inviting old and new players to their trials at the Croft Sports Centre.

The junior (under 18) trials are on Friday, November 23, from 6-8pm.

The Peewees (under 12) will try out on Saturday, November 24, from noon-2pm, with the youths (under 15) on the same date but from 2-4pm.

Anyone wishing to take part in a trial for the club's newly-formed senior squad should call team manager Nigel Davies on 07899 917572.

Swindon Flames' seniors train on Saturdays at the Croft Recreation Centre, with the juniors on Friday nights.

The club run beginners sessions from noon-1pm on Saturdays and can provide some loan equipment, with the exception of skates. For more information call The Croft on 01793 526622 or visit www.swindonflames.com.