Coventry, the only side to have taken a point off the Vipers so far this season, travelled to the NIC for the return fixture. Both teams paid their respects and held a minute's silence in memory of Mark Steeples prior to the game.

Vipers determination to put right their previous result against Coventry only seemed to materialise in the dressing room. Their play on the ice saw them forechecked time and time again, by a Coventry side whose desire and skating pressure saw them take a 2-0 lead going into the first break. It was a serious case of deja-vu.

A slight improvement in Vipers play led to a few chances, and when one was converted, it was hoped that Vipers had turned the corner, and the fight back had started. However, Coventry were still pushing and quickly restored their two-goal advantage. Further strikes for each team left Coventry 4-2 up going into the third.

It was a case of now or never. A quick goal at the start of the final period finally kick-started the Vipers into action, and a second followed in the next shift. Coventry once again called a time out to stop the rot. (I really should have not bothered to write a match report, and used the same one as I did last time!!!) Like in most of the games this season, it was Coughill who scored to give the Vipers a 6-5 lead which they tried to hang on to. However, with 3 minutes on the clock, it was Coventry this time that managaed to pull a draw out of the bag.

Again, the best chances of winning the game in the last minute fell to Anna, who yet again, either couldn't manage to find the net, or presented the puck to the goalie. As I said, a game of deja-vu. Despite winning the last period 4-2, it was not enough, and yet again the Vipers have to settle with a draw against Coventry. Which can lead to one of two possible conclusions, either Vipers just don't play well against Coventry, or Coventry seem to like playing against Vipers!