13/10/2013 EPL/Cup: Peterborough Phantoms 5-4 Basingstoke Bison
How many times have you heard people say they’ve seen that film, or a similar one too it, a million times? Most films tell the same story in a slightly different way; relatively few films take a revolutionary angle and give us something completely different.
The list of films with strikingly similar themes or story lines is so huge it has been suggested that there are only ten central themes in cinema.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to give you ‘Cinema’s Central Theme Number 3 – Triumph over Adversity’. Or, in other words, the little guy beats the big guy, and (more often than not) gets the girl. I have a soft spot for this genre, and the ‘triumph’ film is regularly presented in a sporting context. Have any of you seen ‘Friday Night Lights’? ‘We are Marshall’? ‘Miracle?’ ‘Remember the Titans’? ‘Varsity Blues’? ‘Dodgeball’? A little bit closer to home? ‘Escape to Victory’, anyone? I’m sure you get the picture: High school football/Hockey team rises from the ashes to win a Championship Ring. If you are reading this blog you probably have more than a passing interest in sport. If not, what about ‘Slumdog Millionaire’? We all love the story of the plucky underdog.
Well, in an evening reminiscent of watching one of those old films, the down trodden Phantoms emerged triumphant from their clash with the third placed Basingstoke Bison. The Phantoms had plenty to be concerned about – a record defeat against Manchester was followed by a truly dispiriting pair of results in the double header against Telford. Media reports since last Sunday suggested there had been a great deal of soul searching and assurances that the team were pulling together.
Late on Friday a news story was floating about the ether suggesting that it was too late to make a change for the weekend’s games. So change is on the table, and with Ryan Watt being unceremoniously dumped by Slough, the rumour mill has the two Watt brothers lining up in Peterborough. I’d be surprised – primarily because Ryan is a forward, and I doubt that the Phantoms can afford to sign up another. Watt junior could well be off to Bracknell, anyway. More likely is a change in defence, especially if Marc Levers continues to contribute to one of the attacking lines – if anything, this might leave us short at the back. Unless, of course, James Ferrara assumes the more defensive role that we have seen him adopt when bodies have been thin on the ground. Then there might be a berth up front …
Back to the game. There was a packed house due to a cheap ticket offer. Usually, whenever there is a bumper crowd attracted by the lure of Sunday night excitement at knock down prices, the Phantoms flatter to deceive. Bewildered newbies leave, not quite knowing why on earth we gather in the cold to watch grown men chase a small piece of rubber for an hour. This time, however, the massed ranks saw a valiant Phantoms victory and should’ve left wondering when the next home game is, eager to come back for more.
Phantoms had bossed the third period on Saturday night away against MK in Coventry, and set off with plenty of aggression at the start of the game against the Bison. Piatak and Zubek scored in the first, and both Pick and Rob Ferrara got penalties for roughing in a pulsating opening 20.
The Bison pressured the home side in the second period. Play became ragged; Basingstoke pulled one back. At the end of the period, Phantoms led 2-1. The game could go either way. Basingstoke are an accomplished side. Though on this performance they were unspectacular, they break quickly, in numbers, and pass well. Their work in the neutral zone sets up plenty of chances. Though Joe Greener and Nicky Chinn get plenty of stick from the opposition support, there is a reason why they play in a top of the table side.
At the start of the third Basingstoke levelled, through Joe Rand. This was now a real challenge for the Phantoms – a two goal lead had been lost and the momentum was certainly with the Bison. In recent weeks the team might’ve folded, but on this occasion the lads showed a great deal of spirit and secured the win the final period.
The defining moment of the game came with eleven minutes to go. Damien King made a great stop from a one on one with Greener as the whole rink (including the Phantoms’ defence) looked on, and Piatak broke away to restore the lead. It was one of those slow motion moments where everyone in the rink holds their breath and waits with anticipation. Great stuff. Further goals from Petran (at the end of a 5 on 3 PP) and Cesky, either side of a Nicky Chinn tally gave the Phantoms a 5-3 lead, before Rand scored after Dean Skinns had been pulled from the Bison goal. Final score: 5-4.
Though Piatak was MoM, there were several others who were in contention. Cesky battled all night and scored a beauty; Zubek had his best game on home ice. But I thought the MoM would be Damo. Much maligned in recent weeks, the netminder put in a top performance and that save from Greener whilst everyone was stranded in the top third of the rink was vital. Had the Phantoms conceded and gone behind after leading by two, the result may have been very different. You only needed to see the way the team rushed to #1 at the end of the game to know how they felt about his performance.
Most Phantoms fans arrived at the game in hope rather than expectation, but left feeling proud of the efforts from their side. Everyone stood up when it mattered; the victory long coming and much deserved.
Let’s use this as a spring board for the rest of the season.
One last underdog film for you. Check out Mark Wahlberg in ‘Invincible’. This is a film based on the story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia, who overcame long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. Not a high water mark in modern cinema, but an enjoyable yarn nevertheless. And if you watch the Eagles, you’ll still see fans in ‘Papale’ shirts even now, nearly 40 years later.
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If you have any comments or observations I’d love to hear from anyone who has read the blog. Find me on Twitter at @phil_smith66, and follow for regular Phantoms updates…
beyond the blue line 