Report by Peter Ryan / Photos by James Assinder
Join us for our opening home game of the new season against Solent Devils on Sunday 27th September at 6:45pm. Click HERE to book your tickets online and beat the queues on the door.
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Cardiff FireCardiff Fire at Romford Buccaneers
Saturday 19th September | Sapphire Ice, Romford
TThe Cardiff Fire have kicked off their league campaign in the right way with an emphatic win over the Romford Buccaneers. The side secured a 5-3 victory over their English opposition to bring three points to the Welsh capital. There is no doubt Cardiff backed up an impressive pre-season outing against the Swindon Wildcats 2. The victory provides a steadfast foundation to build off for the long season ahead.
The contest
Cardiff travelled to Romford in search of points. The Welsh side got off to an electric start with Owen Smetham finding the back of the net to give his side the opening goal. He scored again within minutes; what a terrific opening 10 minutes it was for the Fire. As the first period was coming to an end, Will Thurlbert found his first of the contest. It truly was a phenomenal opening 20 for the Welsh side.
Just over seven minutes into the second period came a moment that will flicker in Bodhi James' mind for a long time. Aaron Moody placed the puck in the right place, and James capitalised, scoring his first goal for the Fire. The Buccaneers answered back with a goal; however, it wasnโt long before Cardiff responded. Thurlbert would bag himself a brace, scoring a goal for the second time to mark Cardiffโs final goal.
The final period saw Romford fight back, scoring two goals, but the Fire held firm. Securing a vital win away from home. As previously stated, they will look to keep the momentum going as the season progresses.
Stats
The numbers always give excellent insight into a game. A massive positive for Cardiff is their ability to create. The Fire tallied eight assists over the contest. Rhys Smetham provided a tremendous spark, contributing four assists. Once again, Ben Scanlan was excellent, making 52 saves; he put in a massive shift during the third period, where he made 22 saves. His performance earned him player of the match. The players are in great form; it will be fascinating to see what the rest of the season holds.
Standings
After the weekendโs results, Cardiff sit at the top spot thanks to a strong scoring display. The Chelmsford Chieftains also sit second after a 3-2 victory over the Solent Devils, and the Invicta Dynamos sit third, who also beat the Buccaneers on the weekend. It is a busy weekend next for the Fire as they take on the Slough Jets on the Saturday before welcoming the Devils to the Welsh capital on the Sunday.
It looks to be an exciting season ahead for Cardiff. One thing is for sure: they will leave it all out on the ice for a fantastic fanbase.
Goal Summary
| Time | Goal | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 5:22 | 72 O.Smetham (SH) | 12 R.Smetham, 37 Davies |
| 10:46 | 72 O.Smetham | 12 R.Smetham |
| 19:02 | 9 Thurlbert | 12 R.Smetham, 72 O.Smetham |
| 27:27 | 46 James | 33 Moody |
| 37:36 | 9 Thurlbert | 12 R.Smetham, 72 O.Smetham |
Click HERE to view the team stats.
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