Weekend Report: Fire’s Offense Roars in Romford Rout Before Sunday Loss to Chelmsford

Report by Peter Ryan / Photos by James Assinder

Join us for our next home game this Sunday 15th November against the Swindon Wildcats 2. Click HERE to book your tickets online and beat the queues on the door.

It was a massive weekend for the Cardiff Fire as they enjoyed two back-to-back home games at the Vindico Arena. The side welcomed the Romford Buccaneers on Saturday, and the Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday. A weekend that witnessed both victory and defeat. Cardiff secured an 8-2 win over the Buccaneers but lost 9-3 to Chelmsford. The contests provided plenty of positives for the team to build on as the season is truly in high gear.

The games

The Fire’s roar could be felt all weekend throughout the Welsh capital. Romford came to town first. Cardiff put on a tremendous display, showcasing their attacking prowess. It was Joe Malfatti who scored the opening goal. An individual bit of brilliance allowed his puck to glide into the back of the net. That score was quickly followed up by Rhys Smetham, with his brother Owen Smetham and Malfatti credited with the assist. Cardiff would have to wait over 20 minutes, and the Buccaneers would answer back with a score of their own. The Smetham brothers and Bobby Ragan would all tally goals in the second period. In the final period, Rhys Smetham would score twice to bring his total to four. Followed by a Bailey Hind-Pitcher goal to secure an 8-2 win.

The game against the Chieftains told a different story. After a strong opening 20 with goals from Ragan and Hind-Pitcher that tied it up, Chelmsford looked strong for the rest of the game, scoring five in the second period and two in the third. Owen Smetham scored off an assist from his brother, but it wasn’t enough. The side put up a great fight, and the scoreline didn’t tell the whole story.

Two games with different tales, but the crowd was fierce no matter the result.

Numbers

As always, the numbers give us exceptional insight into how the matchups play out. In the first game, the Fire produced a tremendous amount in attack. Recording 15 assists and challenging the opposing netminder with 56 shots on goal. Ben Scanlan was a rock in goal producing a 95.7% save rate. In the second game, Chelmsford managed to stifle Cardiff’s attacking flair. Limiting the side to 5 assists, which went a long way in Sunday's defeat, as when the Fire create, goals are scored. As previously, there were plenty of positives to build on, and they will be on the hunt for victory next time out.

Next up

Looking ahead to next weekend, another back-to-back is in store. On Saturday, the team will hit the road to take on the Solent Devils, then they will return home to welcome the Swindon Wildcats 2. Two important clashes as the table heats up and every point matters. Cardiff will be looking to protect their fourth place and build on 12 points.

The crowd was fantastic, even as the team had a mixed weekend. However, with two big games looming, the Fire will pursue victory.

Players of the Game

• Saturday - 14 Joe Malfatti
• Sunday - 34 Bailey Hind-Pitcher

Goals vs Buccaneers

Time	Goal	Assists
7:52	14 Joe Malfatti	Unassisted
8:25	12 Rhys Smetham	72 Owen Smetham, 14 Joe Malfatti
30:05	72 Owen Smetham	12 Rhys Smetham, 83 Rob Price
35:05	12 Rhys Smetham	72 Owen Smetham, 14 Joe Malfatti
35:33	90 Bobby Ragan	95 Craig Thurston, 23 Yaqub Barnwell
43:25	12 Rhys Smetham	72 Owen Smetham
47:09	12 Rhys Smetham	92 Steve Osman, 90 Bobby Ragan
48:03	34 Bailey Hind-Pitcher	33 Aaron Moody, 9 Will Thurlbert

Click HERE to view the game statistics.

Goals vs Chieftains

Time	Goal	Assists
9:02	90 Bobby Ragan	92 Steve Osman, 95 Craig Thurston
12:18	34 Bailey Hind-Pitcher	10 Alfie Stone, 13 Dylan Webb
30:46	12 Rhys Smetham	72 Owen Smetham

Click HERE to view the game statistics.

Post-Game Interviews