Chiefs home, 2nds
8-7 Gareth Thomas (2), James Frost (2), Josh Cockburn (2), Magnus Dons (2), Hannah James, Helena Nelson, Natalie Gardner, Pete Obee, Rachel Knight, Sharon Quick, Sian Hunt
After the disappointment of the 1sts defeat, it was up to the seconds to raise spirits in a crucial game for them. Anything other than victory against the Chiefs would condemn them to the bottom pool, but a win would guarantee a place at the top table.
Dragons started very well, Josh scoring from long-range then from under the basket in quick succession. After the change of ends, Magnus’ clever pivot beat an over-commiting defender for a third, before Matt’s long shot got the Chiefs off the mark. Dragons responded swiftly with a trademark runner from Gareth, but Chiefs then began to drag themselves back into the game. Cheered on by a large and vocal contingent of away fans they steadily reduced the deficit, Max, Sandy and Holly all scoring. Magnus scored a penalty, won by Hannah, but by half-time the game was dead level at 5-5.
Pete replaced Josh for a nail-biting second half, which saw the tension steadily increase as the rate of goals slowed. Chiefs moved into a 7-6 lead and had chances to clinch it, but ball after ball bounced out of the basket. Instead Gareth scored from long-range before James restored the Dragons lead and they squeaked home. Special credit to Sharon who defied a hangover and lack of sleep to play well, despite only having turned up to watch and special sympathy to Helena who only lasted a few minutes before going over on her ankle. With several Dragons girls on the walking wounded list, it’s a good thing there are a couple of weeks off now…