Cobras Seal Narrow Win
With a couple of players missing, the Cobras came into this fixture on the back of two straight wins, hoping to avenge the season's earlier defeat at Oxford. Chelmsford were out of the blocks first, raining shots on Oxford's net, but being unable to capitalise. Pressure from both sides rose and Oxford's Jae Rance took a 2 min penalty for holding. The Cobras put a strong line out and were unable to convert the penalty, but the deadlock finally broke at 12.28 as Karen Law was able to slot the puck past the Zodiacs Netminder after a scramble in front of the net. Assists were awarded to Marianne Wright and Jo Abbs, ending the first period 1-0 to the home team.
The second period started with equal momentum and the Cobras were determined not to let their narrow lead slip. At 26.02 it was Chelmsford's turn to be short-handed, as Christine Sowinski took a trip to the sinbin with 2 mins for slashing. The Cobras successfully killed their player deficit and at 28.14, with Zodiacs Sally Boardman in the bin for tripping 8 seconds earlier, Sue Williams took a pass from Emma Stott, and superbly converted it into a goal from the blue line - outstanding! The second period ended 2-0 to the hosts.
The third period started with the Cobras on the defensive back foot. Netminder Sam Giunta skated out of her net to collect a loose puck, only to see it go past her. Zodiacs were foiled however, as Vicky Juniper skated back to the goal & held the puck out, saving the day! Chelmsford suffered some more penalties as Williams entered the bin at 31.01 for hooking, followed by a 5-3 powerplay for Oxford with both Sowinski on a body-checking call & Law with a hooking minor. Oxford called a time out in a vain attempt to reduce their deficit & get back into the game, but were denied by some great goaltending & excellent defensive play by a hard working Chelmsford team.
Player of the Match was Vicky Juniper for Chelmsford and Sally Boardman for Oxford
Chelmsford's Sam Giunta had a 22 shot Shutout (her first of the season) and Zodiac's Denise Weston faced 24 shots, only conceding 2.
Penalty mins were Chelmsford 8 & Oxford 4.
Cobras next home game & last of this year is on Saturday 21st December 2002 at Riverside against the Basingstoke Bears. f/o 5.30pm