Sunday 27 January - Match Report

Sunday saw 2 wins for the Vipers, two shutout victories, and a total of 31 goals scored! First, the junior Vipers (the mini-Vipers) took on the local Sheffield rivalry. The mini-Vs looked like the stronger team, and dominated the shots on goal tally, but were unable, for the most part, to turn these chances into goals! A nicely worked move, finished by Megan Rathbone, giving the mini-Vs a 1-0 lead, proved to be the match winning goal as no further goals were scored.

Then the bigger Vipers (although there are some short ones in this team too!) took on Peterborough. Although these two teams were on the opposite ends of the league table, Vipers had concerns over Peterborough’s recent improved form, and by their own inexperienced netminder. Becky Cooke volunteered (honestly, she did) to be in net and having had only 3 training sessions under her belt, took up the goalie role for the match.

Peterborough seemed to have some determination and fight in the first 20 seconds, but when Julia Coughill scored after 29 seconds, the game then turned into a very one-sided affair. The first period ended 16-0 and the game was won. From then on, it was a case of keeping a clean sheet, and a chance for players to practice their shooting and adding to their points tally.

The second period saw Laura Porter, this season’s rookie, score her first goal for the Vipers, and take her first 2 minute penalty for tripping – the only penalty Vipers took the whole game. Goals and assists were spread amongst the team, with all outskaters getting at least 3 points each – Laura Urquhart top scoring with 7 + 7 for the game.

At the end of the match, total shots on goal were 96 to the Vipers and 4 to Peterborough. These four fine saves gave Becky Cooke, the beautiful stats of 1 game, 1 shut out, and 100% shot save percentage! Frenchie’s advice to Cooke before the game to scare of the opposition by growling and shouting at them seemed to have paid off! Man of the match went to Laura Porter.