Some initial problems were faced as some of the Vipers found that they just weren't used to jumping the boards! We looked like such a graceful bunch! However, it did improve. The game started quite promisingly, with some good forechecking that let Billingham know that this would be far from an easy game. However, Billingham took the lead with a long-range effort, and promptly doubled this lead by some good shooting. [To be honest Vipers need to work on their shot-blocking technique, as we either seemed to be screening poor Alli Clark in net, or alternatively, kept getting hit in the knee, repeatedly - or was that just me?! For those that don't know...my technique hadn't improved by the next day - and lets just say his shot was a lot more powerful but it didn't go in the net!!]

Anyway...Vipers kept at the task in hand, and had some chances on a couple of power-plays, that they were unlucky not to convert. However, this pressure finally took its toll on Billingham, as their lead was reduced to 1 before the end of the first period, thanks to a goal from Bernadette Bailey. Having hit every piece of metal in the goal, it decided that it would cross the line before the goalie could grab it!

The game started to get more physical in the second, and penalties were taken by both sides. Vipers were not to be pushed around too much, and some good work on the boards, especially by Hannah Worthington, meant that pressure was maintained on Billingham. Vipers continued to play in the same hard-working manner and a short-handed goal in the second managed to tie the game.

The game was very much in the balance at the start of the third. The re-surfacing of the ice had given both sides a break, but it was Billingham who seemed to be able to convert this renewed energy onto the scoreboard as they regained the 2-goal advantage. This meant that Vipers had to be more attack-minded nearing the end of the third, as they tried to gain some points out of the game. With less than 2 minutes on the clock, Helen Moss found the target with a wrist shot from high slot to take the score to 4-3. Unfortunately, this was to have no dream end to the game, as Nicky Brock (MOM for Billingham) once again managed to find the back of the Vipers' net.