DESPITE fielding the smallest squad in the competition, the Swindon Spitfires gave a good account of themselves at this year’s Senior Nationals.

With Jason Moody as netminder and six outfield skaters available for the competition, Spitfires started by facing old rivals Oxford ,who are now playing in the South East region.

Swindon should have gone in front when Craig Davies hit the post before taking a 1-0 lead into break. Oxford levelled in the second period before Spitfires struck twice to regain the lead.

Will Harding sealed the win after Oxford pulled their netminder in search of an equaliser.

In their second game, Spitfires put in spirited effort against reigning champions Borehamwood Crusaders before going down 10-3.

Jack Townsend netted the only goal in their 7-1 quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Norton Cyclones.

On the second day, against Havering Hawks, Harding netted twice, but the Essex side ran out 4-2 winners.

In the play-off for seventh place against Ash Avalanche, Harding put Swindon ahead before he was ejected from the game for fighting.

Luke Barrington, Craig Davies and Jack Townsend stretched the lead in the second period before Ash struck back to level.

Luke Swaby and then Lee Ryan sealed a Spitfires win.