Vipers played their final league game against Blackburn on Saturday with the peace of mind that whatever the outcome the league title was ours after securing 3 points out of 4 against rivals Billingham last week. This fixture had been cancelled due to lack of ice time at Blackburn, which meant the fixture being rescheduled at Bradford.

The first period saw pressure on Blackburn’s defence and goaltender right from the start of the game. The first goal at 7.51 came on the power play from Tatjana, but was credited to Helen. This was assisted by Hayley. 7 minutes later Tatjana scored again, assisted by forward Julia and defenceman Laura. The period was rounded off with a quality shorthanded goal from Anna, again assisted by Julia.

Vipers consolidated the score line with two goals in the second period both from Julia and both assisted by Laura. Blackburn scrambled for the puck and got on the score sheet with a low gaol from Amanda Williams, assisted by Ceri Wilkinson. Ally our regular netminder was sadly absent for tonight’s game for family reasons and we send our love to her. Frizz (Laura Thomas) stepped into the breach and did us all proud, especially when you realise this was only the fourth time she had put on the equipment. She made 4 great saves, all of which were good shots. As well as Ally we were missing two other senior players, Michelle and Kate who were missed.

The third period saw even more pressure applied by Vipers, with some superb passing and teamwork from all three lines, out shooting their opponents 24-0. Defenceman Laura opened the scoring assisted by youngster Meg, which was swiftly followed by a goal from Emma Wilkinson, assisted by Helen. Four minutes later it was the turn of Tatjana again, unassisted. Anna scored her second assisted by line mate Kelly, leaving Laura to score her second in the dieing minutes of the game, assisted by her daughter Jessica (her first ever point) and a fine pass from Julia.

Blackburn played with great heart and determination and their goaltender was outstanding, facing a total of 71 shots, well done to her.

This placed us two points clear at the top of the league and gave us an undefeated season – well done girls.

Scorers:

Julia Coughill 2+3
Laura Urquhart 2+3
Tatjana Romanovskaja 2+0
Anna Cooper 2+0
Helen Moss 1+1
Emma Wilkinson 1+0
Megan Rathbone 0+1
Jessica Urquhart 0+1
Hayley Ashton 0+1

Shots on Net:

On Nottingham 5 On Blackburn 71

Penalties:

Vipers 8 mins Blackburn 12 mins

Well done Champions!