Additional Comments:

I don’t have any further information about this game, so here is what was written on the match programme introduction page (author unknown, but believed to be Mike Grafton, AKA Mike Ewer):

“Tonight Lions face Southampton Vikings on Lee Valley ice for the second time this season. On the last occasion, a Cup match back in November, the Lions came out winners in a 17-8 score. Tonight’s game is a League match and we need those two points badly.

“The Vikings, demoted from the Premier Division at the end of last season, now find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the First Division. What a pity it is to see such a long-established club decline as the Vikings have. The seasons are probably many but we wish this fine old club better luck in the future.

“Southampton had but one term in the Premier League and Peterborough, who took their place this season, ran into trouble almost immediately with disagreements between the club officials and players. This has undoubtedly affected the team’s performance and a return to Division One next season seems inevitable. Is there a voodoo on newly-promoted clubs to Premier status?

“Here at Happy Valley there is no committee to argue amongst themselves or anyone else. There is just one man who calls the tune and he is of course Mike ‘the buck stops here’ Smith. In this scribe’s opinion it is a good thing because Manager Mike breaks no argument and everyone at Lee Valley is willing to accept the Boss’ orders and advice because they trust his judgement and undoubted wisdom gained over many years along the ‘Great Ice Way.’

“It is nice to see Mike Allard in the line-up again, no player tries harder and what a speed merchant! Mike is a two-way skater who always comes back to cover his check; a fine example for our young Wizards to copy.

“It is possible that super goalminder Gary Brine might be wearing a Lions shirt soon. We caught him at practice in our nets the other day, if that’s anything to go by. (Gary never did become a Lion)”

Referee was Lane, Linesmen were Lawley and Dawson.