Sunday 10th October 1999
Chelmsford opened their home season with a game against their local rivals from down the A12, and for the first half of the opening stanza, both teams spent time in each other's zone, trying to breakdown their opponents. Just over eight minutes had passed, when Romford's player of the game, Cheryl Arnold opened the scoring with a shot from the blue line, which found its way through a crowd of players and into the Cobras' net. Both teams had attempts to score, but these were thwarted by the goalies, as Romford outshot Chelmsford 8-7.
The second period saw both teams seem to step it up a gear, and shortly after the Nighthawks had killed the first penalty of the game, Carmel Buttimer equalised for the Cobras when she was on hand to finish a scramble in front of the net. Thirteen seconds later, the Cobras joy turned to anguish as Amanda Johnson regained the lead for Romford, and just over a minute later the lead was 3-1 as the same Nighthawks trio combined to score, with Sharon Khan applying the finishing touch. A hectic 150 seconds was finished off by Katy Allen grabbing the Cobras second when she managed to slot a backhand shot into the roof of the net.
Both teams had their share of chances before Sophie Gilbert scored a heartbreaking goal only 45 seconds before the end of the period.
The third period started with a comparative rash of penalties, as Romford took two minors in quick succession, but Chelmsford were unable to capitalise. In fact it was Romford who were able to take advantage and grab a short-handed goal as Zoe Gilbert was on hand to finish the scoring.
Cobras player of the game was Rachel Kearn, whilst the Romford equivalent went to Cheryl Arnold.
The next Cobras game is on Sunday November 7th, against Streatham Storm, face off at 17:15.
Chelmsford: Carmel Buttimer 1+0(0), Katy Allen 1+0(0)
Romford: Sophie Gilbert 2+2(0), Amanda Johnson 1+1(0), Sharon Khan 1+1(0), Cheryl Arnold 1+0(0), Jo Abbs 0+1(0), Zoe Gilbert 0+1(2), Sarah Audsley 0+0(2), Vicki Arnold 0+0(2).