Illnesses to a couple of Vipers' players meant they were unable to make the trip to Coventry at the weekend. We hope you get better soon! You missed some firemen in the changing room, perhaps that will make your recovery more speedy! You also missed getting changed in the men's toilets - hmm, perhaps not quite such a pleasant image to wipe those blues away. Anyway, this gave an opportunity to some of the newer members of the Vipers' squad to gain valuable experience and ice-time in a competitive and hard-fought encounter in Coventry. Vipers played 3-lines for the majority of the game, with some different line combinations being tried out at various stages in the game.
The Vipers were a bit slow in getting into the game, and quickly found themselves one goal down as Coventry scored an even-handed goal in the fifth minute. Thankfully, it was a lead which lasted only until the ninth minute, as the power-line of Cookie and Co. nicely linked up to even the scoreboard, through a nicely worked break-out play from the defense via Laura Urquhart and Julia to a Cookie who just doesn't miss from there! Cookie through her usual tenacity around net put Vipers infront just a few minutes later as a goal scramble was put away by the goal-scoring machine!
As Vipers went into the break with a narrow lead, it was clear this was going to be a game where Vipers would have to fight and work hard to ensure they brought home the vital league points. This was taken on-board as the power-line netted twice on one shift (2 goals in 18 seconds - is this a Vipers' record, who knows?). This time Cookie turning provider to the not-late-but-on- time-depending-on-whose-watch-you-were-looking-at-Bernie Hirsh. Seconds later it was the turn of Julia to find the net, with the assist again going to the Urquie.
Then it seemed to be the turn of Phoenix to gain the momentum and they managed to find a way back in to the game. They scored two goals in the second period to reduce their deficit to just the one goal. Game on as the third period got underway. A fairly balanced first 10 minutes of the third period produced no goals, but finally Vipers managed to increase their lead as Anna found a way finally past the Phoenix goalie. The battle was still not over and Vipers found themselves back-checking hard in the final minutes of the game, spear-headed by the energetic Urquie, whose hard work provided big dividends as it set up the play, linking with Julia who scored her second of the game and sealed the victory. (Team work and energy that also earnt her the prestigeous captain's award that is the envy of many). The man-of-the match went to Dr. Bernie, from the power-line, as her vocalness, hard-work and battling efforts ensured a game-winning performance.
In the post-match press conference, held via satellite link-up from the extremely well-kitted out team bus coach Ryan Rathbone had these words for the media:
It definitely wasn't the prettiest of games, but Vipers found a way to win. We are working on getting these girls prettier, but it is taking a while! There is a lot of work still to do, but today it is two points in the right direction and some great experience was gained for many new players who are just starting out in the wonderful game of hockey.