December 27th 1997, Women's League Division One - South
Going into this game against the league leaders, the Cobras were up against it from the start, with only 9 skaters and a guest netminder to Basingstoke's 15 skaters and two goalies. This was also the first time the Cobras were playing a full 60 minute game, and this was to be a key point, as their reduced numbers tired later in the game.
Throughout the game the Lady Bison were camped out in the Cobras defensive zone, but resilient defence saw them keep out their hosts until midway through the first period, when a deflection of a Tasmin Quinn shot found its way past guest netminder Denise Weston from Oxford City Zodiacs. Despite being outshot 15-3 the Cobras went to the break only 2-0 down.
The second period saw more of the same, and they made it until almost halfway before three goals in just over a minute, two from player of the match Theresa Lewis and also a second for Helen Stowe, gave the Bison a 5 goal cushion. Chelmsford were outshot 30-1 in losing the second period 4-0, with the few attacks the Cobras had being broken down before they were able to get the shot off.
Once again Basingstoke threatened to break away when they started the third period with an early goal from Emma Toose, but some determined defensive play saw the Cobras hold out, until the last five minutes when the Lady Bison notched a couple of late goals (Toose and Quinn) to finish the scoring.
Scoring:
Basingstoke: Theresa Lewis 2+2(0) (MotM), Helen Stowe 2+2(2), Emma Toose 2+1(2), Tasmin Quinn 2+1(0), Lisa Murphy 1+0(0), Claire James 0+2(2), Lara Manning 0+1(0), Lucy Hatton 0+1(0), Caroline Martin 0+0(2), bench (2)
Chelmsford: Denise Weston 0+0(0) (MotM), Jen Stedman 0+0(4)