SWINDON Flames Youth put in a good display in their season opening game against Banbury Bulldogs, but ended up on the wrong end of a 6-2 defeat.

Flames included four players making their skater hockey debut, but they showed no sign of their inexperience as they defended well in the opening period.

Banbury continued to throw bodies forward, and eventually the pressure told as they took the lead.

The Flames refused to crumble and again continued to provide stubborn resustance before giving away a run of penalties.

At one stage they were reduced to only two outfield skaters, and Banbury eventually took advantage and increased their lead with three further goals to make it 4-0 at the break.

In the second period Swindon continued to keep the Bulldogs at bay, and although they scored twice more, goals from Jacob Elliott-Latham and Ryan Walters kept the Flames within touching distance.

Net-minder Jade Kennealy gave an impressive performance on her debut with a string of fine stops while fellow debutants Sophie Emmanuel, Toby Revel and the hard-hitting Jacob Jackson all had promising debuts.

The club are always looking to recruit new members especially at Pee Wee (U12) and Youth (U15) levels with weekly training sessions at the Link Centre provided by fully qualified coaches.

Further information can be obtained from the Swindon Flames website at www.swindonflames.com or by ringing 01793 336290 or 01793 820856.