Game Report: Chester Road Reapers vs Durham Dragons

May 5th 2024 | 16:30

Deeside Leisure Centre

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Goalies

D. Meadows

Line 1

LW - J. Jones

C - G. Spofforth

RW - G. Kelly

D - S. Roberts (C)

D - E. Berky

Line 2

LW - A. Gibson (A)

C - R. Banks

RW - G. Balmer (A)

D - R. Stout

D - A. Jones

Line 3

LW - G. Laurie

C - C. Jones

RW - S. Bond

D - L. Cleveland

D - V. Vitek

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In an intense matchup between the Chester Road Reapers and the Durham Dragons, both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination. The game was a rollercoaster of goals and penalties, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

The game kicked off with a lightning-fast goal from the Reapers' Josh Jones at 04:09, showcasing his individual prowess. The Dragons quickly responded with a goal from number 66 at 13:00, assisted by players 8 and 16. Despite the Dragons' efforts, the Reapers maintained their lead, ending the period with a score of 1-0 in their favour.

The Reapers continued to dominate the ice, with Andrew Gibson netting a goal at 17:25, assisted by Richard Banks. However, the Dragons fought back fiercely, with number 66 scoring his second goal of the game at 21:55, unassisted. The period saw a powerplay goal from the Dragons' number 16 at 28:10, amplifying the intensity of the match. The period concluded with the Reapers maintaining a narrow lead of 3-2.

The Dragons surged ahead in the final period, capitalising on powerplay opportunities and defensive lapses from the Reapers. Despite Gregor Balmer extending the Reapers' lead with a goal at 23:00, assisted by Rhys Stout, the Dragons unleashed a relentless offensive onslaught. Powerplay goals from numbers 66 assisted 16, 67, and 8, coupled with a goal from number 19, sealed the victory for the Dragons. The Reapers fought valiantly, but ultimately fell short as the Dragons clinched the win with a final score of 8-5.

The Reapers faced a slew of penalties throughout the game, hampering their momentum and allowing the Dragons to capitalise on powerplay opportunities. Rhys Stout, Lewis Cleveland, Greg Laurie, and Vitek were among the Reapers players penalised for various infractions, including interference, holding, delay of game, tripping, abuse of official, and checking.

The clash between the Chester Road Reapers and the Durham Dragons was a thrilling spectacle of skill, strategy, and resilience. While the Reapers showcased moments of brilliance, the Dragons' relentless determination and strategic prowess ultimately secured their victory. Both teams displayed exceptional sportsmanship and left everything on the ice in a memorable battle that will be remembered by fans for years to come.

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Player of the Match

Chester Road Reapers - Josh Jones

Durham Dragons - Foster