The answer, in short, was 'No'. Many a sporting pundit and coaching staff have analysed the game tapes, and they have come up with many theories as to what went wrong. However, the statistics tell a story of their own. Vipers only managed 12 shots against the Welsh side in the entire match. And of those 12, the coaches will tell you, most were not placed in the most effective areas. Whilst Maya once again played a great game between the pipes, her forwards were unable to create many scoring opportunities. Only conceding 2 goals against this highly offensive team was a positive from the game for the Vipers, but their lack of scoring prowess proved costly at the other.

The loss meant that the league was no longer fully in Vipers' control. The disappointment was seen clearly on the faces of all the players and coaching staff. Nobody from the club was available for comment. This was not a time for ill-chosen words spoken too hastily. The Vipers now have to rally their spirits, and concentrate on improving and building on their level of hockey to get some good results for the remainder of the season. All is not yet lost, but it is just highly unlikely!