Town vs Gown Women's Ice Hockey

By Unknown Author

The Blues came into the match knowing that although they had lost to the Zodiacs in November, their improvement throughout the season meant they had a good chance of reclaiming the Town vs Gown trophy for the University. They started strongly from the first face off with constant pressure on the Zodiacs' netminder, Dee Taylor, and excellent teamwork, which was to continue for the rest of the match. However despite getting 24 shots on goal in the first period, Taylor's athleticism and experience denied them a goal. Despite a strong defensive effort from Oxford when the pressure turned to their end, the Zodiac captain Susie Clark managed to slip the puck past university netminder Andrea Cummins, and the period ended 1-0. Unfortunately a breakout from speedy ex-uni player Amy Hadden increased the Zodiacs lead to 2-0. The Blues' spirits did not drop, and they continued their accurate passing mid-ice and teamwork around the goal. They were soon rewarded when defender and "spirit of the game" Dominique Chaput made another beautiful cross ice pass to winger Felicity Bulmer, who carried the puck up the ice and put it past Taylor, but not quite past the goal line. After a frantic scramble between the Zodicas defence and Blues captain Cath Rothon, centre Jamie Waller finally mangagedmanaged to slide the puck over the line, to bring the deficit back to one goal. The Blues' efforts doubled in the third periodperiod, as they knew Taylor was not invincible, and eventually Bulmer made a breakout thanks to a great clear from defender Kat Ryder, and netted the puck over Taylor's shoulder to draw the game level. Butt despite more brilliant offence from the excellent line of Lisa Villeneuve, Emma Eckered and man of the match Frederica Fok, aAnother breakout from Hadden, followed by a pass across the net to unmarked linemateline mate Mima Boardman drew the Zodiacs ahead once more. The Blues were unable to close the gap, as the third period was cut short due to lack of time, but they left the rink knowing their performance was probably their best of the season so far.

19th Feb 2004