Match report by Natasha Jenkins
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Cardiff FireCardiff Fire at Swindon Wildcats 2
Sunday 9th March | Link Centre, Swindon
A weekend that could only be described as hot and cold for Cardiff Fire. Saturday saw the team in ashes but come Sunday, Cardiff Fire truly were in their element.
After Saturday’s resounding 10-1 loss to Chelmsford Chieftains, Cardiff Fire knew they had more to give than their recent scores were showing. With a lot on the line, but mainly, the last playoff spot, in a not-so-secret battle with the Oxford City Stars, this season. With only a point difference between the Fire and the Stars, the team knew the gap needed to be widened for some breathing room. Swindon was the opportunity.
The game started ferociously for Fire with a quick shot on goal within the first 30 seconds of play. Wildcats’ #73 Brett Massey saved the shot. Play was continuous for the first period, with only #18 Jasper Quinn receiving a 2-minute penalty in the 18th minute. Fire fought for the 2 minutes and Swindon’s powerplay was killed. No goals scored for either team. #41 Ben Scanlan received 14 shots on goal in the first period.
The second period saw #9 Chris Fox given a 2-minute penalty in the 35th minute. Once again, Fire killed Swindon’s powerplay. #17 Aaran Ragan and #18 Jasper Quinn received 2-minute penalties each in the 31st minute. A penalty shot was awarded to Swindon. Fire fans and family anxious in the stands, but no need, as #41 Ben Scanlan saved the shot. In the 35th minute, during a power play, #34 Bailey Hind-Pitcher scored the first, and only, goal of the game. The goal was assisted by #27 Carter Lloyd and, Head Coach #97 Elis Sheppard. #8 Louis James was awarded a 2-minute penalty in the 36th minute. #41 Ben Scanlan received 14 shots on goal in the second period.
The third period saw sweaty palms for those in attendance to support Fire. #19 Tom Stephens was awarded a 2-minute penalty in the 56th minute after a third period of hockey which had been quite level for both teams. Referee Thrower called 5v3, with Fire fighting, with everything they had to block shots from the Wildcats. An heroic block came from #83 Robert Price. The powerplay was killed after a vigorous 2 minutes of being 2 men down. The whistle finally blew in the third period. #41 Ben Scanlan faced 11 shots on goal in the third period. Cardiff Fire were triumphant and awarded 3 points for their efforts.
Player of the game was awarded to #83 Robert Price. Rob awarded the “Fireman Hat” to #41 Ben Scanlan after the match. This was the second shutout for #41 and, subsequently, Cardiff Fire this season in NIHL 1.
Now 4 points clear of Oxford Stars, there is hope in Cardiff Fire’s dream to partake in the first playoffs of their return to the NIHL South 1 division.
Player-Head Coach Elis Sheppard had this to say about the team’s performance in Swindon:
After the result Saturday, as a team, we knew that we had to react and leave everything on the ice Sunday. I thought our game management, along with the ability to neutralise Swindon's transition was excellent. There were some fantastic individual performances, along with one large collective team cohesive performance which resulted in the three points coming back to Cardiff.
Sunday saw one of the best performances by Cardiff Fire this season, a true indicator of their potential moving forward.
Thank you to Swindon Wildcats, all referees and volunteers for your hospitality. We look forward to having you all back in Cardiff shortly.
Click HERE to view the team stats.
| Time | Goal | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 35:59 | 34 Bailey Hind-Pitcher (PP) | 27 Carter Lloyd, 97 Elis Sheppard |
Photos by Cheyenna Harvey-Boxall, Claire James and Swindon Wildcats 2
