It was always going to be a bit of a challenge for Vipers as they faced a Sheffield side, with a number of their players who play both for their premier and division 1 sides gracing the ice. The Vipers didn't get off to the greatest of starts either, and found themselves 0-1 down after just over a minute thanks to a goal by Jodie-Leigh Bloom. However, Vipers fought hard to stay in the game, and even finished out-shooting the visiting team by 11 shots to 7 in the first period. Unfortunately, they were unable to convert any of their chances.
The beginning of the second started in much the same way as the first, as Sheffield scored a goal within a minute of the restart (goal to Georgina Farman with the assist to Jodie-Leigh). This time though, the pressure started to mount as Sheffield turned up the tempo of the game and dominated the play. Sheffied out-shot Vipers by 19 goals to 3 in the second period, and managed to convert 7 of these chances into goals. Vipers did manage to find the back of the net through Rebecca Cooke, but the game, as a contest, was over.
The last 5 minutes of the second and for the duration of the third period saw Vipers playing 3 lines of hockey. Vipers once again found a bit more energy for the battle, and managed to keep the visiting team down to scoring only 2 goals in the final period. Vipers even scored a concellation power-play goal, which was a special moment for Natalie as she earnt her first ever assist.
The final score was a disappointing 10-2 scoreline that favoured the Sheffield team. Man of the match for the Vipers went to Laura Quarton, and the Captain's 'special' award went to first-assist Nat due not only to her terrific game but acknowledgment of the improvement and effort she has made over the past month.
In the post-game press conference Coach JS told reporters:
"It was a dazzling display of hockey from specifically 2 of the Sheffield girls, as Georgina and Jodie scored 6 goals between them. If neither of them scored, then at least one of them got the assist! From a positive view point, it was good for the girls to see and will give them a benchmark to which they need to aim if they want to play at a higher level of hockey in the future. The truth is that you learn more from losing than you do winning. Losing hurts, but as they say, if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger.