Romford Raiders Reach NIHL National Cup Final

Romford Raiders have stormed into the NIHL National Cup final after a thrilling 10-7 aggregate victory over MK Lightning in the semi-finals. The team’s remarkable revival this season has been a testament to new ownership, a talented coach, and an unwavering team spirit.

The semi-final second leg was a nail-biting contest, with MK Lightning initially dominating the game and securing a 3-0 lead on the night. However, the Raiders roared back with five unanswered goals to seal their place in the final.

Tjay Anderson, a standout player for the Raiders, credited the team effort for their success. “It’s always nice to score in a big game like this, but all the credit goes to the whole team for putting in a big performance. After going down 3-0, we didn’t panic and battled back into the game very well,” he said.

Ethan James, the Raiders’ goaltender, also shone with a stellar performance, saving 49 of 52 shots and earning the Man of the Match award.

This incredible turnaround reflects the team’s ongoing transformation. Once a struggling side languishing at the bottom of the league, the Raiders have become a competitive force under their new leadership. The changes have sparked renewed enthusiasm among fans, with ticket sales up by 20% compared to last season.

David Pointer, a long-time supporter of the club, expressed his excitement about the team’s resurgence. “The Raiders have brought a new energy to the rink this season. It’s inspiring to see how far they’ve come, and this cup final spot is well-deserved,” he said.

The Raiders now await the conclusion of the other semi-final, where they will face either the Sheffield Steeldogs or the Leeds Knights. While the final date is yet to be announced, it’s expected to take place around February 2025.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Romford Raiders are set to make history in what promises to be an unforgettable final. Stay tuned for updates as the team continues their remarkable journey.

Photo credit: CSW Imagery

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