Last time these two teams met, at Oxford at the start of the year, the Zodiacs came away with a comprehensive victory. This time both teams were keen to get the better start, and it was over two and a half minutes before the first shot on goal, which was also the opening goal for the Cobras. Katy Allen skating the full length of the rink before stuffing the puck into the Oxford net.
Oxford were keen not to let their hosts get away, and after a couple of attacks had come to nothing, a scramble in front of the Chelmsford net saw Suzie Clark on hand to equalise. The Zodiacs continued the pressure, but Cobras were able to soak up the majority of the attacks, only Sarah Poulter was able to trouble the scorers. Then, Chelmsford were awarded a power play, and following a good attack, the puck found its way back to Jen Stedman who was able to get the puck into the net. At the end of the first period, the score was 2-2 after Oxford had outshot Chelmsford 13-5.
The second period was a much tighter affair, with the Cobras taking a couple of minor penalties before Sarah Poulter was on hand to give Oxford the lead on the power play. The teams then took alternating penalties, meaning that most of the remainder of the stanza was played the teams 4 on 4.
Entering the final session, Oxford started the brightest, with Becky Hughes capitalising just 80 seconds in. Chelmsford knew they had to strike back quickly to have a chance, and so they piled on the pressure, which eventually they made pay, with player of the game Katy Allen scoring on the breakaway to reduce the gap to one.
With less than five minutes to go, Cobras seemed to tire, and Oxford were able to exaggerate the lead with goals from their player of the game, Suzie Clark, Sarah Poulter's hat trick goal and Becky Hughes.
After the heavy defeat in Oxford, even a four goal defeat can be seen as a moral victory for the Cobras, but to have been within one goal entering the last four minutes is even more encouraging.
The next game for the Cobras sees the visit of Oxford University Blues to Riverside, on March 18th. Face-off is at 17:15. All supporters are welcome to see the Cobras attempt to finish their home schedule with a victory against the currently winless Blues.
Chelmsford: Katy Allen 2+0(0), Jen Stedman 1+0(4), and Emma Stott 0+0(4).
Oxford City: Sarah Poulter 3+0(2), Becky Hughes 2+1(0), Suzie Clark 2+0(0), Poly Smart 0+1(0), and Karen Featonby 0+0(4)