CHELMSFORD COBRAS

Sunday 26th January saw the first game of 2020 commence with the Cobras hosting Sheffield Shadows at Riverside Leisure Centre. The Cobras were out for revenge following a heavy defeat in their away fixture back in October.

​

The match kicked off at a high tempo with both teams pushing to get on the scoreboard early. In the sixth minute of the game the Cobras were rewarded with a goal coming from Brittany Stoneman following a set piece off the face off, assisted by Terezka Plankova. The second goal came in quick succession, just 7 seconds later, as Jenny Bolton skated it through from centre ice face off to set up a give and go passing play with Plankova and Bolton getting the goal.

​

The Shadows rallied back and stepped up the momentum to try to counteract the Cobras attack and get on the scoreboard, testing the Cobras netminder, Emma Nichols, with several shots in quick succession but to no avail.

​

The first period finished with Cobras taking control and giving Sheffield a 3 goal deficit with Plankova netting a goal following another nice passing play between Bolton and Stoneman.

​

The second period followed in similar fashion, with Cobras dominating the game, goal number four came 1 minute 14 seconds into the period with Lottie Ahmed placing the puck perfectly over the netminder's shoulder following a pass from Charlotte Hutcheon. Another goal soon followed with Plankova securing a breakaway goal set up from Bolton. It was then the turn of Cobras latest signing, Beth Hill (assisted by Robyn Mapp), to get on the scoresheet. Beth returns to the Cobras after a 3 year hiatus playing for Guildford Lightning in the Elite league.

​

The Cobras kept the pressure up and goal number 6 came from Lucy Jarvis with a 1 on 1 against the goalie following a pass from Hutcheon. The Shadows appeared to be struggling with having a short bench, which gave the Cobras an advantage of fresh legs throughout the game. The second period concluded with an unassisted goal from Hill taking the score to 8 unanswered goals.

​

The commanding lead going into the third period allowed Cobras the flexibility to ensure their entire bench got ice time, giving invaluable experience to developing players of the future. Cherry Hambelton made her debut for the Cobras as an outfield player, having played for the previous 4 seasons as a Netminder. Stoneman & Bolton got on the scoresheet again, both assisted by Plankova, to finish the game with a 10-0 win. Emma Nichols faced 37 shots during the game, putting in a solid performance to keep a clean sheet for the Cobras. Commendation also needs to be given to the defenders, who ran a tight ship to ensure minimal scoring opportunities were given to Sheffield and creating numerous offensive plays. Steph Thon enjoyed several runs up and down the ice producing scoring chances and Zara Schott & Tammy Phipps put in some big shots from the blue line.

​

The Cobras enjoyed a large attendance at the match, which no doubt encouraged the team to put on a good show! This result puts the team in 3rd place in the Women's Premier league, tied on 7 points with Whitley Bay and Bracknell.

​

Next up, the Cobras face Cardiff Comets, at home on the 9th February, faceoff 12.20pm.